MECHANICAL VENTILATION (NCLEX)
COMPREHENSIVE STUDY GUIDE 2026 FULL
QUESTIONS AND SOLUTIONS GRADED A+
◍ Synchronized Intermittent Mandatory Ventilation (SIMV).
Answer: - delivers a pre-set number of breaths at a set-volume and flow rate
- patient can generate spontaneous breaths, volumes and flow rates - detects
a patient's spontaneous breath attempt and doesn't initiate a ventilatory
breath (prevents breathing stacking)
◍ What is the key lab value for Type I respiratory failure?.
Answer: PaO₂ < 60 mmHg.
◍ lidocaine.
Answer: given IV due to tachycardia to relax the heart rhythm
◍ collaboration.
Answer: - call your RT- ask another nurse- NEVER hit the silence button!
◍ What is an example of a ventilation problem?.
Answer: COPD, asthma, drug overdose, neuromuscular disease.
◍ When is mechanical ventilation needed?.
Answer: PaO₂ < 60, PaCO₂ > 50 with acidosis, severe respiratory distress,
decreased LOC, respiratory muscle fatigue.
◍ What is respiratory failure?.
Answer: A condition when the lungs cannot adequately oxygenate blood or
remove carbon dioxide.
◍ What is an Endotracheal Tube (ETT)?.
Answer: A short-term airway placed through the mouth into the trachea.
◍ volume ventilation.
, Answer: volume is constant and pressure will vary with patient's lung
compliance
◍ What are common causes of Type I respiratory failure?.
Answer: ARDS, pneumonia, pulmonary edema, atelectasis, pulmonary
embolism.
◍ versed, etomidate.
Answer: can push as an RN
◍ accidental extubation.
Answer: - assess patient first - ensure ambu bag is attached to oxygen
flowmeter and it is on- call rapid response
◍ high pressure alarm.
Answer: - a blockage in the circuit (water condensation)- patient biting ETT-
mucus plug ETT (may need suctioning)
◍ What does FART-PEEP stand for in mechanical ventilation settings?.
Answer: FiO₂, Air amount (tidal volume), Respiratory rate, Timing of
breaths, PEEP.
◍ pressure ventilation.
Answer: pressure is constant and volume will vary with patient's lung
compliance
◍ placement proof.
Answer: - inflate balloon with 10 cc of air- CO2 detector (GOLD
STANDARD)- auscultation of the chest bilaterally - bilateral chest rise and
fall- portable chest x-ray
◍ What is a memory cue for preventing VAP?.
Answer: Think HOS: Head of bed elevated, Oral care, Suction.
◍ Macintosh blade.
Answer: curved blade inserted into vallecula to indirectly lift the epiglottis
◍ pre oxygenate.
Answer: - with 100% oxygen for 3-5 minutes to provide apnea or distressed
COMPREHENSIVE STUDY GUIDE 2026 FULL
QUESTIONS AND SOLUTIONS GRADED A+
◍ Synchronized Intermittent Mandatory Ventilation (SIMV).
Answer: - delivers a pre-set number of breaths at a set-volume and flow rate
- patient can generate spontaneous breaths, volumes and flow rates - detects
a patient's spontaneous breath attempt and doesn't initiate a ventilatory
breath (prevents breathing stacking)
◍ What is the key lab value for Type I respiratory failure?.
Answer: PaO₂ < 60 mmHg.
◍ lidocaine.
Answer: given IV due to tachycardia to relax the heart rhythm
◍ collaboration.
Answer: - call your RT- ask another nurse- NEVER hit the silence button!
◍ What is an example of a ventilation problem?.
Answer: COPD, asthma, drug overdose, neuromuscular disease.
◍ When is mechanical ventilation needed?.
Answer: PaO₂ < 60, PaCO₂ > 50 with acidosis, severe respiratory distress,
decreased LOC, respiratory muscle fatigue.
◍ What is respiratory failure?.
Answer: A condition when the lungs cannot adequately oxygenate blood or
remove carbon dioxide.
◍ What is an Endotracheal Tube (ETT)?.
Answer: A short-term airway placed through the mouth into the trachea.
◍ volume ventilation.
, Answer: volume is constant and pressure will vary with patient's lung
compliance
◍ What are common causes of Type I respiratory failure?.
Answer: ARDS, pneumonia, pulmonary edema, atelectasis, pulmonary
embolism.
◍ versed, etomidate.
Answer: can push as an RN
◍ accidental extubation.
Answer: - assess patient first - ensure ambu bag is attached to oxygen
flowmeter and it is on- call rapid response
◍ high pressure alarm.
Answer: - a blockage in the circuit (water condensation)- patient biting ETT-
mucus plug ETT (may need suctioning)
◍ What does FART-PEEP stand for in mechanical ventilation settings?.
Answer: FiO₂, Air amount (tidal volume), Respiratory rate, Timing of
breaths, PEEP.
◍ pressure ventilation.
Answer: pressure is constant and volume will vary with patient's lung
compliance
◍ placement proof.
Answer: - inflate balloon with 10 cc of air- CO2 detector (GOLD
STANDARD)- auscultation of the chest bilaterally - bilateral chest rise and
fall- portable chest x-ray
◍ What is a memory cue for preventing VAP?.
Answer: Think HOS: Head of bed elevated, Oral care, Suction.
◍ Macintosh blade.
Answer: curved blade inserted into vallecula to indirectly lift the epiglottis
◍ pre oxygenate.
Answer: - with 100% oxygen for 3-5 minutes to provide apnea or distressed
