National Board for Respiratory
Care EXAM LATEST
QUESTIONS AND Verified
ANSWERS 2026/2027
After a patient undergoes a thoracentesis, the respiratory therapist notes
that the obtained pleural fluid is clear with a slight straw color. This fluid
is most likely the result of
A. empyema.
B. congestive heart failure.
C. lung carcinoma.
D. hemothorax. - ANSWER ✔✔Congestive Heart Failure
,The respiratory therapist is calibrating a spirometer and checking the
volume with a 3.0 liter super syringe. the volumes recorded are 2.85L,
2.8L and 2.8L. Based upon the information obtained, which of the
following is a correct statement?
A. Another syringe needs to be used
B. Spirometer is accurate
C. The plunger was advanced too slowly
D. Spirometer may have a leak - ANSWER ✔✔D. Spirometer may
have a leak
Which of the following is an indication for high frequency jet ventilation?
A. Bronchopleural fistula
B. Wilson Mikity syndrome
C Necrotizing lesion of right lung
D. Centrilobular emphysema - ANSWER ✔✔Bronchopleural Fistula
**(because it uses mean airway pressures & low tidal volumes to
improve oxygenation and we do not want to worsen bp fistula)
,A 43 y/o female patient has just undergone a total abdominal
hysterectomy. The pt arrives in the post anesthesia care unit obtunded
with minimal response to painful stimulus. what treatment should the RT
recommend for this pt? - ANSWER ✔✔Insert OPA (b/c they are
unresponsive)
What is the normal VD/VT ratio for a patient breathing room air? -
ANSWER ✔✔20-40%
All of the following could cause a patient's right-hemidiaphragm to be
elevated, EXCEPT:
A. right lower lobe atelectasis
B. right side hyperlucency, absent vascular markings
C. hepatomegaly
D. right lower lobe consolidation with air bronchograms - ANSWER
✔✔B. right side hyperlucency, absent vascular markings (pneumothorax)
A 2 y/o child with croup has been intubated for 4 days with a 4mm ID
uncuffed ETT. Heated aerosol at an FiO2 of 30% has been delivered to
the patient. The physician asks the RT to evaluate the pt for possible
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, extubation. Which of the following would most likely indicate that the pt is
ready for extubation?
A. Pt is making normal quiet ventilatory efforts
B. Negative sputum culture and sensitivity has been reported
C. Pt's ABG are within normal range
D. Breath sounds are heard around the tube on auscultation -
ANSWER ✔✔D. Breath sounds are heard around the tube on
auscultation
A pt is senn inthe ER for complaints of nausea and vomiting. A NGT has
been inserted and the pt is started on lasix. Which of the following
should the RT monitor?
A. Cardiac enzymes
B. Serum electrolytes
C. ABG
D. Cell hydration level - ANSWER ✔✔B. Serum electrolytes (because
of loss of fluids)