KETTERING TMC EXAM PRACTICE
(2026) - COMPREHENSIVE
RESPIRATORY THERAPIST BOARD
REVIEW
1. A 65-year-old patient with COPD is receiving oxygen via a 40% air-entrainment mask. The
physician asks you to calculate the total flow to the patient if the oxygen flowmeter is set at 8
L/min. What is the total flow?
A. 32 L/min
B. 24 L/min
C. 40 L/min
D. 48 L/min
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: For a 40% Venturi mask, the air-to-oxygen ratio is 3:1. Total
flow = (Air + Oxygen parts) x Flowmeter setting. (3+1) x 8 = 32. Wait, the ratio for 40% is
actually 3:1. (3+1)8=32. Let’s re-verify: 100--21 = 60/19 ≈ 3.15. 3.15+1 = 4.15 8 =
33.2. Choice A is closest, but standard ratio math 3:1 gives 32.
,2. During a bedside assessment, a patient’s hemodynamic monitor shows a CVP of 12 mmHg,
a PAP of 40/22 mmHg, and a PCWP of 8 mmHg. These findings are most consistent with:
A. Left heart failure
B. Hypervolemia
C. Pulmonary Hypertension
D. Cor Pulmonale
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Elevated CVP and PAP with a normal PCWP indicates a problem
in the lungs or right heart, such as Pulmonary Hypertension or Pulmonary Embolism. Cor
Pulmonale (D) is also a result of this, but Pulmonary Hypertension is the hemodynamic
descriptor.
3. A 28-week gestational age neonate has an Apgar score of 3 at one minute. After providing
tactile stimulation and supplemental oxygen, the heart rate remains 80 beats per minute.
What is the next appropriate step?
A. Administer Epinephrine
B. Start chest compressions
C. Perform endotracheal intubation
D. Initiate Positive Pressure Ventilation (PPV)
Answer: D
, Conceptual Explanation: In neonatal resuscitation, if the heart rate is less than 100 bpm
after initial steps, the priority is to begin Positive Pressure Ventilation.
4. While performing a ventilator check on a patient in Volume Control mode, you notice the
peak inspiratory pressure (PIP) has increased from 25 to 40 cmH2O, while the plateau
pressure remains stable at 15 cmH2O. This indicates:
A. Decreased lung compliance
B. Increased airway resistance
C. Development of a pneumothorax
D. Pulmonary edema
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: An increase in PIP with a stable plateau pressure indicates an
increase in Transairway Pressure (PIP-Plat), which points to increased airway resistance
(e.g., secretions, bronchospasm).
5. Calculate the Arterial Oxygen Content (CaO2) for a patient with the following values: Hb 15
g/dL, SaO2 90%, PaO2 60 mmHg.
A. 18.2 vol%
B. 12.5 vol%
C. 20.1 vol%
D. 16.4 vol%
(2026) - COMPREHENSIVE
RESPIRATORY THERAPIST BOARD
REVIEW
1. A 65-year-old patient with COPD is receiving oxygen via a 40% air-entrainment mask. The
physician asks you to calculate the total flow to the patient if the oxygen flowmeter is set at 8
L/min. What is the total flow?
A. 32 L/min
B. 24 L/min
C. 40 L/min
D. 48 L/min
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: For a 40% Venturi mask, the air-to-oxygen ratio is 3:1. Total
flow = (Air + Oxygen parts) x Flowmeter setting. (3+1) x 8 = 32. Wait, the ratio for 40% is
actually 3:1. (3+1)8=32. Let’s re-verify: 100--21 = 60/19 ≈ 3.15. 3.15+1 = 4.15 8 =
33.2. Choice A is closest, but standard ratio math 3:1 gives 32.
,2. During a bedside assessment, a patient’s hemodynamic monitor shows a CVP of 12 mmHg,
a PAP of 40/22 mmHg, and a PCWP of 8 mmHg. These findings are most consistent with:
A. Left heart failure
B. Hypervolemia
C. Pulmonary Hypertension
D. Cor Pulmonale
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Elevated CVP and PAP with a normal PCWP indicates a problem
in the lungs or right heart, such as Pulmonary Hypertension or Pulmonary Embolism. Cor
Pulmonale (D) is also a result of this, but Pulmonary Hypertension is the hemodynamic
descriptor.
3. A 28-week gestational age neonate has an Apgar score of 3 at one minute. After providing
tactile stimulation and supplemental oxygen, the heart rate remains 80 beats per minute.
What is the next appropriate step?
A. Administer Epinephrine
B. Start chest compressions
C. Perform endotracheal intubation
D. Initiate Positive Pressure Ventilation (PPV)
Answer: D
, Conceptual Explanation: In neonatal resuscitation, if the heart rate is less than 100 bpm
after initial steps, the priority is to begin Positive Pressure Ventilation.
4. While performing a ventilator check on a patient in Volume Control mode, you notice the
peak inspiratory pressure (PIP) has increased from 25 to 40 cmH2O, while the plateau
pressure remains stable at 15 cmH2O. This indicates:
A. Decreased lung compliance
B. Increased airway resistance
C. Development of a pneumothorax
D. Pulmonary edema
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: An increase in PIP with a stable plateau pressure indicates an
increase in Transairway Pressure (PIP-Plat), which points to increased airway resistance
(e.g., secretions, bronchospasm).
5. Calculate the Arterial Oxygen Content (CaO2) for a patient with the following values: Hb 15
g/dL, SaO2 90%, PaO2 60 mmHg.
A. 18.2 vol%
B. 12.5 vol%
C. 20.1 vol%
D. 16.4 vol%
