ALBERTA RESPIRATORY THERAPIST EXAM QUESTIONS
AND CORRECT ANSWER (VERIFIED ANSWERS) PLUS
RATIONALE 2026 Q&A|INSTANT DOWNLOAD PDF
1. The primary function of the respiratory system is:
A. Digestion
B. Gas exchange (O₂ and CO₂)
C. Blood production
D. Hormone secretion
Answer: B
Rationale: The lungs exchange oxygen and carbon dioxide.
2. Normal adult respiratory rate is:
A. 5–8 breaths/min
B. 12–20 breaths/min
C. 25–35 breaths/min
D. 40–50 breaths/min
Answer: B
Rationale: Normal range is 12–20 breaths per minute.
3. The main muscle of respiration is:
A. Heart
B. Diaphragm
C. Liver
D. Trachea
Answer: B
Rationale: Diaphragm drives inhalation.
4. Oxygen is transported in blood mainly by:
,A. Plasma only
B. Hemoglobin
C. Platelets
D. White cells
Answer: B
Rationale: Hemoglobin binds oxygen.
5. Normal arterial oxygen saturation (SpO₂) is:
A. 50–70%
B. 75–85%
C. 95–100%
D. 100–110%
Answer: C
Rationale: Normal oxygen saturation is 95–100%.
6. Hypoxia refers to:
A. High oxygen levels
B. Low oxygen in tissues
C. High CO₂ levels
D. Low blood pressure
Answer: B
Rationale: Inadequate oxygen delivery to tissues.
7. Hypercapnia means:
A. Low oxygen
B. High carbon dioxide
C. Low glucose
D. High oxygen
Answer: B
Rationale: Elevated CO₂ in blood.
, 8. ABG stands for:
A. Air Breathing Gas
B. Arterial Blood Gas
C. Acid Base Gradient
D. Airway Breathing Guide
Answer: B
Rationale: Measures oxygen, CO₂, and pH.
9. Normal arterial pH is:
A. 6.9–7.0
B. 7.35–7.45
C. 7.6–7.8
D. 8.0–8.5
Answer: B
Rationale: Normal acid-base balance range.
10. Normal PaCO₂ is:
A. 10–20 mmHg
B. 35–45 mmHg
C. 50–60 mmHg
D. 70–90 mmHg
Answer: B
Rationale: Normal CO₂ level in blood.
11. Normal PaO₂ is:
A. 20–40 mmHg
B. 60–80 mmHg
C. 80–100 mmHg
D. 120–150 mmHg
Answer: C
Rationale: Normal oxygen pressure range.
AND CORRECT ANSWER (VERIFIED ANSWERS) PLUS
RATIONALE 2026 Q&A|INSTANT DOWNLOAD PDF
1. The primary function of the respiratory system is:
A. Digestion
B. Gas exchange (O₂ and CO₂)
C. Blood production
D. Hormone secretion
Answer: B
Rationale: The lungs exchange oxygen and carbon dioxide.
2. Normal adult respiratory rate is:
A. 5–8 breaths/min
B. 12–20 breaths/min
C. 25–35 breaths/min
D. 40–50 breaths/min
Answer: B
Rationale: Normal range is 12–20 breaths per minute.
3. The main muscle of respiration is:
A. Heart
B. Diaphragm
C. Liver
D. Trachea
Answer: B
Rationale: Diaphragm drives inhalation.
4. Oxygen is transported in blood mainly by:
,A. Plasma only
B. Hemoglobin
C. Platelets
D. White cells
Answer: B
Rationale: Hemoglobin binds oxygen.
5. Normal arterial oxygen saturation (SpO₂) is:
A. 50–70%
B. 75–85%
C. 95–100%
D. 100–110%
Answer: C
Rationale: Normal oxygen saturation is 95–100%.
6. Hypoxia refers to:
A. High oxygen levels
B. Low oxygen in tissues
C. High CO₂ levels
D. Low blood pressure
Answer: B
Rationale: Inadequate oxygen delivery to tissues.
7. Hypercapnia means:
A. Low oxygen
B. High carbon dioxide
C. Low glucose
D. High oxygen
Answer: B
Rationale: Elevated CO₂ in blood.
, 8. ABG stands for:
A. Air Breathing Gas
B. Arterial Blood Gas
C. Acid Base Gradient
D. Airway Breathing Guide
Answer: B
Rationale: Measures oxygen, CO₂, and pH.
9. Normal arterial pH is:
A. 6.9–7.0
B. 7.35–7.45
C. 7.6–7.8
D. 8.0–8.5
Answer: B
Rationale: Normal acid-base balance range.
10. Normal PaCO₂ is:
A. 10–20 mmHg
B. 35–45 mmHg
C. 50–60 mmHg
D. 70–90 mmHg
Answer: B
Rationale: Normal CO₂ level in blood.
11. Normal PaO₂ is:
A. 20–40 mmHg
B. 60–80 mmHg
C. 80–100 mmHg
D. 120–150 mmHg
Answer: C
Rationale: Normal oxygen pressure range.
