Quality control material has published values for pH of 7.30, PO2 of 85 mm Hg. Documenta-
tion indicates the range of pH is 0.5% and is 3% for PO2. Machine results are as follows:
pH PO2 (mmHg)
Run 1 7.33 83
Run 2 7.25 86
Run 3 7.29 80
Which quality control runs indicate the machine is out of control?
A. 2 and 3
B. 1, 2, and 3
C. 1 and 2
D. 1 and 3 - ANSWER The correct answer is : A
Quality control data for an arterial blood gas analyzer is plotted on a graph that has a range
of 4 standard deviations (2 SD up and 2 SD down). Points on the graph show a gradual rise
from below the mean to above the mean. All points are within 2 SD of the mean. The respir-
atory supervisor should
A. remove this machine from service
B. call the medical director for direction
C. monitor this machine closely
D. replace the electrodes - ANSWER The correct answer is : C
1
,The sudden sounding of a high-pressure ventilator alarm is noted on a patient receiving vol-
ume controlled mechanical ventilation. The respiratory therapist notes the endotracheal
tube is at 27 cm at the teeth and that breath sounds are absent when auscultating the left
hemithorax. The therapist should immediately
A. withdraw the endotracheal tube until breath sounds are bilateral
B. advance the endotracheal tube until breath sounds can be auscultated over the left chest
C. prepare for insertion of chest tubes in the left thorax
D. check the air pressure of the tube cuff - ANSWER The correct answer is : A
Which of the following ventilator circuit change frequencies is important to minimize noso-
comial infections among patients receiving mechanical ventilation?
A. every 14 days
B. monthly
C. daily
D. when soiled - ANSWER The correct answer is : D
In which of the following situations should an HME be replaced with heated humidity?
A. afebrile conditions
B. presence of thick secretions
C. patient has asthma
D. patient is hyperthermic - ANSWER The correct answer is : B
Which of the following should be monitored for a ventilator-dependent newborn with IRDS?
A. urine specific gravity
B. fluid input and output
2
,C. pH
D. gas distribution (SBN2) in the lungs - ANSWER The correct answer is : B
A written teaching plan for a pediatric patient with chronic asthma should include
5
A. PEFR monitoring and proper MDI use
B. determination of oxygen saturation
C. titration of oxygen
D. proper titration of bronchodilator dosage - ANSWER The correct answer is : A
Which of the following is needed to calculate minute alveolar ventilation?
A. tidal volume, weight, respiratory rate
B. C(a-v)O2 and VT
C. PAO2 and tidal volume
D. VD/VT and PAO2 - ANSWER The correct answer is : A
A female patient who is morbidly obese has an 8.0 mm tracheostomy tube. She has been
placed on an ulcer prevention mattress in the Intensive Care Unit. Following transport to the
new bed, the nurse calls a respiratory therapist to assess her because she is complaining of
air hunger. Diffuse dry crackles are auscultated with crepitus noted upon palpation. These
findings are most closely associated with
A. secretions in the airway
B. pneumothorax
C. atelectasis
D. subcutaneous emphysema - ANSWER The correct answer is : D
3
, When inspecting the X-ray of an outpatient with nephrotic syndrome, you note a homogene-
ous area of increased density that obscures the left costophrenic angle. Which of the follow-
ing is the most likely problem?
A. Pleural effusion
B. Bacterial pneumonia
C. Pulmonary edema
D. Atelectasis - ANSWER The correct answer is : A
A patient has a serum potassium level of 3.5 mEq/L. Which of the following diuretic would
you recommend for this patient?
A. Amiloride (Midamor)
B. Chlorothiazide (Diuril)
C. Quinnethazone (Hydromax)
D. Acetazolamide (Diamox) - ANSWER The correct answer is : A
Which pH level is expected for a COPD patient having an acute on chronic exacerbation?
A. 7.35
B. 7.49
C. 7.44
D. 7.30 - ANSWER The correct answer is : C
A patient with a history of asthma reports to the emergency department after self-treating
bronchoconstriction for the past 3 days. Periodic relief has been achieved but the patient is
in current distress and is wheezing bilaterally. Which of the following treatment actions
would be most appropriate?
A. administer Sublimaze, PO
B. continuous aerosolized bronchodilator at 7 mg/hr
4
tion indicates the range of pH is 0.5% and is 3% for PO2. Machine results are as follows:
pH PO2 (mmHg)
Run 1 7.33 83
Run 2 7.25 86
Run 3 7.29 80
Which quality control runs indicate the machine is out of control?
A. 2 and 3
B. 1, 2, and 3
C. 1 and 2
D. 1 and 3 - ANSWER The correct answer is : A
Quality control data for an arterial blood gas analyzer is plotted on a graph that has a range
of 4 standard deviations (2 SD up and 2 SD down). Points on the graph show a gradual rise
from below the mean to above the mean. All points are within 2 SD of the mean. The respir-
atory supervisor should
A. remove this machine from service
B. call the medical director for direction
C. monitor this machine closely
D. replace the electrodes - ANSWER The correct answer is : C
1
,The sudden sounding of a high-pressure ventilator alarm is noted on a patient receiving vol-
ume controlled mechanical ventilation. The respiratory therapist notes the endotracheal
tube is at 27 cm at the teeth and that breath sounds are absent when auscultating the left
hemithorax. The therapist should immediately
A. withdraw the endotracheal tube until breath sounds are bilateral
B. advance the endotracheal tube until breath sounds can be auscultated over the left chest
C. prepare for insertion of chest tubes in the left thorax
D. check the air pressure of the tube cuff - ANSWER The correct answer is : A
Which of the following ventilator circuit change frequencies is important to minimize noso-
comial infections among patients receiving mechanical ventilation?
A. every 14 days
B. monthly
C. daily
D. when soiled - ANSWER The correct answer is : D
In which of the following situations should an HME be replaced with heated humidity?
A. afebrile conditions
B. presence of thick secretions
C. patient has asthma
D. patient is hyperthermic - ANSWER The correct answer is : B
Which of the following should be monitored for a ventilator-dependent newborn with IRDS?
A. urine specific gravity
B. fluid input and output
2
,C. pH
D. gas distribution (SBN2) in the lungs - ANSWER The correct answer is : B
A written teaching plan for a pediatric patient with chronic asthma should include
5
A. PEFR monitoring and proper MDI use
B. determination of oxygen saturation
C. titration of oxygen
D. proper titration of bronchodilator dosage - ANSWER The correct answer is : A
Which of the following is needed to calculate minute alveolar ventilation?
A. tidal volume, weight, respiratory rate
B. C(a-v)O2 and VT
C. PAO2 and tidal volume
D. VD/VT and PAO2 - ANSWER The correct answer is : A
A female patient who is morbidly obese has an 8.0 mm tracheostomy tube. She has been
placed on an ulcer prevention mattress in the Intensive Care Unit. Following transport to the
new bed, the nurse calls a respiratory therapist to assess her because she is complaining of
air hunger. Diffuse dry crackles are auscultated with crepitus noted upon palpation. These
findings are most closely associated with
A. secretions in the airway
B. pneumothorax
C. atelectasis
D. subcutaneous emphysema - ANSWER The correct answer is : D
3
, When inspecting the X-ray of an outpatient with nephrotic syndrome, you note a homogene-
ous area of increased density that obscures the left costophrenic angle. Which of the follow-
ing is the most likely problem?
A. Pleural effusion
B. Bacterial pneumonia
C. Pulmonary edema
D. Atelectasis - ANSWER The correct answer is : A
A patient has a serum potassium level of 3.5 mEq/L. Which of the following diuretic would
you recommend for this patient?
A. Amiloride (Midamor)
B. Chlorothiazide (Diuril)
C. Quinnethazone (Hydromax)
D. Acetazolamide (Diamox) - ANSWER The correct answer is : A
Which pH level is expected for a COPD patient having an acute on chronic exacerbation?
A. 7.35
B. 7.49
C. 7.44
D. 7.30 - ANSWER The correct answer is : C
A patient with a history of asthma reports to the emergency department after self-treating
bronchoconstriction for the past 3 days. Periodic relief has been achieved but the patient is
in current distress and is wheezing bilaterally. Which of the following treatment actions
would be most appropriate?
A. administer Sublimaze, PO
B. continuous aerosolized bronchodilator at 7 mg/hr
4
