RESPIRATORY THERAPY TMC EXAM –
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS | VERIFIED AND
WELL DETAILED ANSWERS | PLUS
RATIONALES | GUARANTEED PASS | LATEST
EXAM UPDATE 2026/2027
Core Domains
- Patient Assessment and Data Analysis
- Quality Control and Maintenance of Equipment
- Infection Control and Safety Procedures
- Therapeutic Procedures and Airway Management
- Ventilatory Assistance and Management
- Pharmacology and Aerosol Delivery
- Cardiopulmonary Diagnostic Testing
- Hemodynamic Monitoring and Interpretation
Introduction
The purpose of this examination is to evaluate the
clinical competency and theoretical proficiency of
candidates seeking to become Registered
Respiratory Therapists. This assessment covers a
broad spectrum of critical skills, including patient
evaluation, diagnostic testing, and the management
of life-support systems. Through a combination of
recall and complex scenario-based questions, the
exam tests the candidate's ability to apply
pathophysiological principles to real-world clinical
,decision-making. Emphasis is placed on the
integration of assessment data to formulate safe
and effective care plans, ensuring high standards of
patient safety and professional ethics in diverse
healthcare environments.
SECTION ONE: QUESTIONS 1–100
1. A 68-year-old male with COPD is receiving
oxygen via a nasal cannula at 3 L/min. The
patient’s SpO2 is 91% and he appears
comfortable. A bedside arterial blood gas
(ABG) shows a PaCO2 of 52 mmHg and a
PaO2 of 64 mmHg. Which of the following is
the most appropriate action?
A. Increase the flow to 5 L/min
B. Maintain current therapy
C. Change to a 40% Venturi mask
D. Intubate the patient
🟢 B. Maintain current therapy
🔴 Explanation: Patients with chronic COPD often
have a baseline hypercapnia. A PaO2 of 64 mmHg
and SpO2 of 91% are within the target range (88-
92%) for this patient population to avoid
suppressing the hypoxic drive.
, 2. During a routine check of a ventilator circuit,
the respiratory therapist notices the heated
humidifier is empty. What is the most
immediate risk to the patient?
A. Excessive condensation in the tubing
B. Decreased peak inspiratory pressure
C. Inspissation of airway secretions
D. Development of pneumothorax
🟢 C. Inspissation of airway secretions
🔴 Explanation: Lack of humidification leads to the
drying out (inspissation) of mucus, which can cause
thick secretions, mucus plugging, and airway
obstruction.
3. Which of the following values represents a
normal Cardiac Index (CI) for a healthy adult?
A. 1.5 - 2.0 L/min/m2
B. 2.5 - 4.0 L/min/m2
C. 5.0 - 8.0 L/min/m2
D. 10 - 12 L/min/m2
🟢 B. 2.5 - 4.0 L/min/m2
🔴 Explanation: The Cardiac Index is the cardiac
output adjusted for body surface area; the standard
normal range is 2.5 to 4.0 L/min/m2.
, 4. A patient in the ICU is suspected of having a
tension pneumothorax. Which clinical sign
would most likely confirm this diagnosis?
A. Tracheal deviation toward the affected side
B. Hyperresonance to percussion on the affected
side
C. Increased breath sounds on the affected side
D. Dullness to percussion on the affected side
🟢 B. Hyperresonance to percussion on the
affected side
🔴 Explanation: A tension pneumothorax involves
air trapped in the pleural space, which produces a
hyperresonant (hollow) sound during percussion,
unlike fluid (dullness) or consolidation.
5. While performing a weaning trial on a T-piece,
a patient’s respiratory rate increases from 18
to 32 breaths/min and heart rate increases
from 90 to 125 beats/min. The therapist
should:
A. Increase the FiO2
B. Continue the trial for 30 more minutes
C. Return the patient to mechanical ventilation
D. Administer a sedative
🟢 C. Return the patient to mechanical ventilation
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS | VERIFIED AND
WELL DETAILED ANSWERS | PLUS
RATIONALES | GUARANTEED PASS | LATEST
EXAM UPDATE 2026/2027
Core Domains
- Patient Assessment and Data Analysis
- Quality Control and Maintenance of Equipment
- Infection Control and Safety Procedures
- Therapeutic Procedures and Airway Management
- Ventilatory Assistance and Management
- Pharmacology and Aerosol Delivery
- Cardiopulmonary Diagnostic Testing
- Hemodynamic Monitoring and Interpretation
Introduction
The purpose of this examination is to evaluate the
clinical competency and theoretical proficiency of
candidates seeking to become Registered
Respiratory Therapists. This assessment covers a
broad spectrum of critical skills, including patient
evaluation, diagnostic testing, and the management
of life-support systems. Through a combination of
recall and complex scenario-based questions, the
exam tests the candidate's ability to apply
pathophysiological principles to real-world clinical
,decision-making. Emphasis is placed on the
integration of assessment data to formulate safe
and effective care plans, ensuring high standards of
patient safety and professional ethics in diverse
healthcare environments.
SECTION ONE: QUESTIONS 1–100
1. A 68-year-old male with COPD is receiving
oxygen via a nasal cannula at 3 L/min. The
patient’s SpO2 is 91% and he appears
comfortable. A bedside arterial blood gas
(ABG) shows a PaCO2 of 52 mmHg and a
PaO2 of 64 mmHg. Which of the following is
the most appropriate action?
A. Increase the flow to 5 L/min
B. Maintain current therapy
C. Change to a 40% Venturi mask
D. Intubate the patient
🟢 B. Maintain current therapy
🔴 Explanation: Patients with chronic COPD often
have a baseline hypercapnia. A PaO2 of 64 mmHg
and SpO2 of 91% are within the target range (88-
92%) for this patient population to avoid
suppressing the hypoxic drive.
, 2. During a routine check of a ventilator circuit,
the respiratory therapist notices the heated
humidifier is empty. What is the most
immediate risk to the patient?
A. Excessive condensation in the tubing
B. Decreased peak inspiratory pressure
C. Inspissation of airway secretions
D. Development of pneumothorax
🟢 C. Inspissation of airway secretions
🔴 Explanation: Lack of humidification leads to the
drying out (inspissation) of mucus, which can cause
thick secretions, mucus plugging, and airway
obstruction.
3. Which of the following values represents a
normal Cardiac Index (CI) for a healthy adult?
A. 1.5 - 2.0 L/min/m2
B. 2.5 - 4.0 L/min/m2
C. 5.0 - 8.0 L/min/m2
D. 10 - 12 L/min/m2
🟢 B. 2.5 - 4.0 L/min/m2
🔴 Explanation: The Cardiac Index is the cardiac
output adjusted for body surface area; the standard
normal range is 2.5 to 4.0 L/min/m2.
, 4. A patient in the ICU is suspected of having a
tension pneumothorax. Which clinical sign
would most likely confirm this diagnosis?
A. Tracheal deviation toward the affected side
B. Hyperresonance to percussion on the affected
side
C. Increased breath sounds on the affected side
D. Dullness to percussion on the affected side
🟢 B. Hyperresonance to percussion on the
affected side
🔴 Explanation: A tension pneumothorax involves
air trapped in the pleural space, which produces a
hyperresonant (hollow) sound during percussion,
unlike fluid (dullness) or consolidation.
5. While performing a weaning trial on a T-piece,
a patient’s respiratory rate increases from 18
to 32 breaths/min and heart rate increases
from 90 to 125 beats/min. The therapist
should:
A. Increase the FiO2
B. Continue the trial for 30 more minutes
C. Return the patient to mechanical ventilation
D. Administer a sedative
🟢 C. Return the patient to mechanical ventilation
