NBRC TMC/CRT/RRT – Combined Practice
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1. A patient with COPD is receiving 2 L/min of oxygen by nasal
cannula. Which finding best indicates that the prescribed oxygen
therapy is effective?
a. Respiratory rate increases from 18 to 28/min
b. PaO₂ increases from 52 mm Hg to 68 mm Hg
c. PaCO₂ increases from 48 mm Hg to 60 mm Hg
d. Heart rate increases from 88 to 112/min
Correct Answer: b. PaO₂ increases from 52 mm Hg to 68 mm Hg
Rationale: An increase in PaO₂ from a hypoxemic level toward the
normal range indicates improved oxygenation. An increasing respiratory
rate or heart rate may indicate worsening distress, while a significant
rise in PaCO₂ may indicate worsening hypoventilation.
, 2. A respiratory therapist is assessing a patient with acute
respiratory distress. Which finding requires the most immediate
attention?
a. Mild nonproductive cough
b. Respiratory rate of 32/min with accessory muscle use
c. Temperature of 37.8°C (100°F)
d. Heart rate of 96/min
Correct Answer: b. Respiratory rate of 32/min with accessory muscle
use
Rationale: Tachypnea accompanied by accessory muscle use suggests
significant increased work of breathing and possible impending
respiratory failure. Airway and breathing problems require immediate
assessment and intervention.
3. Which device is most appropriate for delivering a precise,
controlled oxygen concentration to a patient with COPD?
a. Nonrebreather mask
b. Simple mask
c. Venturi mask
d. Nasal cannula
Correct Answer: c. Venturi mask
,Rationale: A Venturi mask delivers a predictable and controlled FiO₂ by
entraining a specific amount of room air. This makes it particularly
useful when precise oxygen concentrations are desired.
4. An arterial blood gas result shows: pH 7.30, PaCO₂ 55 mm Hg,
HCO₃⁻ 26 mEq/L. How should this result be interpreted?
a. Uncompensated metabolic acidosis
b. Uncompensated respiratory acidosis
c. Compensated respiratory acidosis
d. Metabolic alkalosis
Correct Answer: b. Uncompensated respiratory acidosis
Rationale: The pH is low, indicating acidemia, and the PaCO₂ is
elevated, identifying a respiratory cause. The bicarbonate remains
within the normal range, indicating that significant metabolic
compensation has not occurred.
5. A patient has an ABG of pH 7.50, PaCO₂ 30 mm Hg, and HCO₃⁻ 24
mEq/L. The respiratory therapist should interpret this as:
a. Uncompensated respiratory alkalosis
b. Compensated respiratory alkalosis
c. Uncompensated metabolic alkalosis
d. Metabolic acidosis
, Correct Answer: a. Uncompensated respiratory alkalosis
Rationale: The elevated pH indicates alkalemia, while the decreased
PaCO₂ indicates a respiratory cause. Because bicarbonate remains
normal, the disorder is uncompensated.
6. Which finding is most consistent with hypoxemia?
a. Bradycardia and decreased respiratory rate
b. Cyanosis and restlessness
c. Warm, dry skin and hypertension
d. Decreased work of breathing
Correct Answer: b. Cyanosis and restlessness
Rationale: Hypoxemia can cause restlessness, anxiety, confusion,
tachycardia, and cyanosis. Mental-status changes may be an early sign
of inadequate oxygen delivery to tissues.
7. A patient suddenly develops severe dyspnea after removal of a
central venous catheter. Which complication should the
respiratory therapist suspect?
a. Atelectasis
b. Air embolism
c. Chronic bronchitis
d. Pleural effusion
Exam Questions and Correct Answers (Verified
Answers) Plus Rationale 2027 Q&A| Instant
Download Pdf
1. A patient with COPD is receiving 2 L/min of oxygen by nasal
cannula. Which finding best indicates that the prescribed oxygen
therapy is effective?
a. Respiratory rate increases from 18 to 28/min
b. PaO₂ increases from 52 mm Hg to 68 mm Hg
c. PaCO₂ increases from 48 mm Hg to 60 mm Hg
d. Heart rate increases from 88 to 112/min
Correct Answer: b. PaO₂ increases from 52 mm Hg to 68 mm Hg
Rationale: An increase in PaO₂ from a hypoxemic level toward the
normal range indicates improved oxygenation. An increasing respiratory
rate or heart rate may indicate worsening distress, while a significant
rise in PaCO₂ may indicate worsening hypoventilation.
, 2. A respiratory therapist is assessing a patient with acute
respiratory distress. Which finding requires the most immediate
attention?
a. Mild nonproductive cough
b. Respiratory rate of 32/min with accessory muscle use
c. Temperature of 37.8°C (100°F)
d. Heart rate of 96/min
Correct Answer: b. Respiratory rate of 32/min with accessory muscle
use
Rationale: Tachypnea accompanied by accessory muscle use suggests
significant increased work of breathing and possible impending
respiratory failure. Airway and breathing problems require immediate
assessment and intervention.
3. Which device is most appropriate for delivering a precise,
controlled oxygen concentration to a patient with COPD?
a. Nonrebreather mask
b. Simple mask
c. Venturi mask
d. Nasal cannula
Correct Answer: c. Venturi mask
,Rationale: A Venturi mask delivers a predictable and controlled FiO₂ by
entraining a specific amount of room air. This makes it particularly
useful when precise oxygen concentrations are desired.
4. An arterial blood gas result shows: pH 7.30, PaCO₂ 55 mm Hg,
HCO₃⁻ 26 mEq/L. How should this result be interpreted?
a. Uncompensated metabolic acidosis
b. Uncompensated respiratory acidosis
c. Compensated respiratory acidosis
d. Metabolic alkalosis
Correct Answer: b. Uncompensated respiratory acidosis
Rationale: The pH is low, indicating acidemia, and the PaCO₂ is
elevated, identifying a respiratory cause. The bicarbonate remains
within the normal range, indicating that significant metabolic
compensation has not occurred.
5. A patient has an ABG of pH 7.50, PaCO₂ 30 mm Hg, and HCO₃⁻ 24
mEq/L. The respiratory therapist should interpret this as:
a. Uncompensated respiratory alkalosis
b. Compensated respiratory alkalosis
c. Uncompensated metabolic alkalosis
d. Metabolic acidosis
, Correct Answer: a. Uncompensated respiratory alkalosis
Rationale: The elevated pH indicates alkalemia, while the decreased
PaCO₂ indicates a respiratory cause. Because bicarbonate remains
normal, the disorder is uncompensated.
6. Which finding is most consistent with hypoxemia?
a. Bradycardia and decreased respiratory rate
b. Cyanosis and restlessness
c. Warm, dry skin and hypertension
d. Decreased work of breathing
Correct Answer: b. Cyanosis and restlessness
Rationale: Hypoxemia can cause restlessness, anxiety, confusion,
tachycardia, and cyanosis. Mental-status changes may be an early sign
of inadequate oxygen delivery to tissues.
7. A patient suddenly develops severe dyspnea after removal of a
central venous catheter. Which complication should the
respiratory therapist suspect?
a. Atelectasis
b. Air embolism
c. Chronic bronchitis
d. Pleural effusion
