THERAPIST MULTIPLE-CHOICE EXAMINATION: PRACTICE TEST
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS UPDATED 2025/2026 A COMPLETE
EXAM SOLUTION ALL ANSWERS 100% CORRECT DETAILED
GRADED A+ FOR PASS
While performing chest physical therapy on a ventilator patient, the respiratory therapist
percusses an area of hyperresonance. This assessment is consistent with which of the following
conditions?
A. Pleural effusion
B. Pneumothorax
C. Atelectasis
D. Consolidation - CORRECT ANSWERS B, A hyperresonant percussion note is heard
over areas of the lung that contain a higher proportion of air than tissue. When a
pneumothorax is present, air enters and collects in the pleural space away from normal blood
flow or tissue. Another instance in which a hyperresonant note is heard is over a hyperinflated
chest, such as with emphysema.
After setting up a simple O2 mask, you kink the O2tubing and the humidifier produces a high-
pitched whistling sound. This indicates which of the following?
A. There are no leaks in the setup
B. The O2 flow to the mask is too low
C. There may be a crack in the O2 tubing
D. The capillary tube in the humidifier may be loose - CORRECT ANSWERS . A, After an
O2 delivery device is attached to the humidifier, the tubing should be kinked to check for leaks
in the system. When the O2tubing is kinked, back pressure enters the humidifier. When the
pressure builds to 2 psi, the pressure pop-off valve opens to release the built-up pressure. That
is the whistling noise heard. This indicates the setup has no leaks. If, after kinking the tubing,
the pop-off valve fails to open, there is a leak somewhere in the setup. The most common leak
occurs when the humidifier bottle is not screwed on tight to the top. Other sources are small
holes in the tubing or loose-fitting tubing on the humidifier outlet.
If, after kinking the tubing, the pop-off valve fails to open, there is a leak somewhere in the
setup. The most common leak occurs when - CORRECT ANSWERS the humidifier bottle
,THERAPIST MULTIPLE-CHOICE EXAMINATION: PRACTICE TEST
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS UPDATED 2025/2026 A COMPLETE
EXAM SOLUTION ALL ANSWERS 100% CORRECT DETAILED
GRADED A+ FOR PASS
is not screwed on tight to the top. Other sources are small holes in the tubing or loose-fitting
tubing on the humidifier outlet.
The following pulmonary function results are obtained on a patient:
FEV1/FVC 90% of predicted
FVC 55% of predicted
These data indicate the patient could have which of the following?
A. Emphysema
B. Cystic fibrosis
C. Chronic bronchitis
D. Pulmonary fibrosis - CORRECT ANSWERS D, Pulmonary fibrosis is an example of a
restrictive lung disorder. Restrictive disorders are characterized by decreased volumes and
capacities and normal flow studies on pulmonary function tests. Obstructive disorders are
characterized by increased volumes and capacities due to air trapping and by decreased flow
studies. When given a question on the exam where there are three obstructive disease
selections and one restrictive disorder, you should select the one disorder not common to the
other three. In other words, from these pulmonary function values you would not be able to
determine emphysema from chronic bronchitis or cystic fibrosis (all obstructive disorders);
therefore the answer must be the restrictive disorder.
you are asked to deliver a low percentage of O2 to a patient whose respiratory rate is 30/min
with an irregular breathing pattern. Which device would be the best choice?
A. Nasal cannula at 2 L/min
B. Air-entrainment mask at 28%
C. Simple O2 mask at 5 L/min
D. Partial rebreathing mask at 8 L/min - CORRECT ANSWERS B, This question appears
to not give adequate information to answer the question. However, the idea is that a low-flow
O2device should not be set up for a patient who has an irregular breathing pattern or a
,THERAPIST MULTIPLE-CHOICE EXAMINATION: PRACTICE TEST
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS UPDATED 2025/2026 A COMPLETE
EXAM SOLUTION ALL ANSWERS 100% CORRECT DETAILED
GRADED A+ FOR PASS
respiratory rate of more than 25/min because of inconsistent O2concentrations. A high-flow
device (air-entrainment mask) is indicated in this situation because more consistent
O2concentrations are delivered, regardless of the patient's ventilatory pattern.
Which of the following ABG results would be considered normal in a patient with severe COPD?
A. pH 7.50, PCO2 40 torr, PO2 56 torr, HCO330 mEq/L, BE 4
B. pH 7.29, PCO2 54 torr, PO2 70 torr, HCO323 mEq/L, BE 0
C. pH 7.36, PCO2 40 torr, PO2 85 torr, HCO324 mEq/L, BE 1
D. pH 7.38, PCO2 60 torr, PO2 57 torr, HCO333 mEq/L, BE 10 - CORRECT ANSWERS D,
Refer to the explanation for question 13
The respiratory therapist is called to the bedside of a patient who is receiving volume-
controlled ventilation. Upon entering the room you notice the high-pressure limit is alarming
with every breath and the low-volume alarm is activated. The nurse informs you that the
patient had a pulmonary artery catheter inserted in the right subclavian vein 34 minutes prior.
Upon assessment the therapist notes unilateral expansion and diminished breath sounds in the
right upper
lobe. There is no tracheal deviation present. Heart rate is 102/min, RR 20/min, and BP 120/64.
What is the most appropriate recommendation at this time?
A)CXR and possible chest tube insertion
B)Emergency needle decompression
C)Monitor the patient for improvement in condition for the next 30 minutes.
D)STAT ABG - CORRECT ANSWERS . A, This scenario suggests a pneumothorax has most
likely occurred during the insertion of the subclavian line. Since the question states there is no
tracheal deviation, which would indicate a tension pneumothorax corrected with needle
decompression, getting a CXR and possible chest tube insertion is the best choice.
, THERAPIST MULTIPLE-CHOICE EXAMINATION: PRACTICE TEST
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS UPDATED 2025/2026 A COMPLETE
EXAM SOLUTION ALL ANSWERS 100% CORRECT DETAILED
GRADED A+ FOR PASS
how do you treat tension pneumothorax ? - CORRECT ANSWERS needle
decompression
A patient with a peak inspiratory flow of 40 L/min is to be given O2 with a 30% air-entrainment
mask. What is the minimum O2 flow required to meet the patient's inspiratory flow demands?
A. 3 L/min
B. 5 L/min
C. 8 L/min
D. 10 L/min - CORRECT ANSWERS . B, The air/O2ratio for 30% is 8 : 1. Add the two ratio
parts together and multiply by the lowest choice of the flow rates given that results in a total
flow are at least 40 L/min.
Which of the following represents the normal value for potassium?
A. 1.5 to 3.0 mEq/L
B. 3.5 to 5.0 mEq/L
C. 5.5 to 7.0 mEq/L
D. 7.0 to 8.5 mEq/L - CORRECT ANSWERS B, The normal value for potassium is 3.5-5.0
mEq/L
What is the most appropriate ventilator VT setting on a 75-kg (165-lb) drug overdose patient?
A. 400 mL
B. 500 mL
C. 700 mL
D. 900 mL - CORRECT ANSWERS B, Ventilator VT should be set at 6 to 8 mL/kg of ideal
body weight. The most appropriate volume would be 500 mL.
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS UPDATED 2025/2026 A COMPLETE
EXAM SOLUTION ALL ANSWERS 100% CORRECT DETAILED
GRADED A+ FOR PASS
While performing chest physical therapy on a ventilator patient, the respiratory therapist
percusses an area of hyperresonance. This assessment is consistent with which of the following
conditions?
A. Pleural effusion
B. Pneumothorax
C. Atelectasis
D. Consolidation - CORRECT ANSWERS B, A hyperresonant percussion note is heard
over areas of the lung that contain a higher proportion of air than tissue. When a
pneumothorax is present, air enters and collects in the pleural space away from normal blood
flow or tissue. Another instance in which a hyperresonant note is heard is over a hyperinflated
chest, such as with emphysema.
After setting up a simple O2 mask, you kink the O2tubing and the humidifier produces a high-
pitched whistling sound. This indicates which of the following?
A. There are no leaks in the setup
B. The O2 flow to the mask is too low
C. There may be a crack in the O2 tubing
D. The capillary tube in the humidifier may be loose - CORRECT ANSWERS . A, After an
O2 delivery device is attached to the humidifier, the tubing should be kinked to check for leaks
in the system. When the O2tubing is kinked, back pressure enters the humidifier. When the
pressure builds to 2 psi, the pressure pop-off valve opens to release the built-up pressure. That
is the whistling noise heard. This indicates the setup has no leaks. If, after kinking the tubing,
the pop-off valve fails to open, there is a leak somewhere in the setup. The most common leak
occurs when the humidifier bottle is not screwed on tight to the top. Other sources are small
holes in the tubing or loose-fitting tubing on the humidifier outlet.
If, after kinking the tubing, the pop-off valve fails to open, there is a leak somewhere in the
setup. The most common leak occurs when - CORRECT ANSWERS the humidifier bottle
,THERAPIST MULTIPLE-CHOICE EXAMINATION: PRACTICE TEST
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS UPDATED 2025/2026 A COMPLETE
EXAM SOLUTION ALL ANSWERS 100% CORRECT DETAILED
GRADED A+ FOR PASS
is not screwed on tight to the top. Other sources are small holes in the tubing or loose-fitting
tubing on the humidifier outlet.
The following pulmonary function results are obtained on a patient:
FEV1/FVC 90% of predicted
FVC 55% of predicted
These data indicate the patient could have which of the following?
A. Emphysema
B. Cystic fibrosis
C. Chronic bronchitis
D. Pulmonary fibrosis - CORRECT ANSWERS D, Pulmonary fibrosis is an example of a
restrictive lung disorder. Restrictive disorders are characterized by decreased volumes and
capacities and normal flow studies on pulmonary function tests. Obstructive disorders are
characterized by increased volumes and capacities due to air trapping and by decreased flow
studies. When given a question on the exam where there are three obstructive disease
selections and one restrictive disorder, you should select the one disorder not common to the
other three. In other words, from these pulmonary function values you would not be able to
determine emphysema from chronic bronchitis or cystic fibrosis (all obstructive disorders);
therefore the answer must be the restrictive disorder.
you are asked to deliver a low percentage of O2 to a patient whose respiratory rate is 30/min
with an irregular breathing pattern. Which device would be the best choice?
A. Nasal cannula at 2 L/min
B. Air-entrainment mask at 28%
C. Simple O2 mask at 5 L/min
D. Partial rebreathing mask at 8 L/min - CORRECT ANSWERS B, This question appears
to not give adequate information to answer the question. However, the idea is that a low-flow
O2device should not be set up for a patient who has an irregular breathing pattern or a
,THERAPIST MULTIPLE-CHOICE EXAMINATION: PRACTICE TEST
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS UPDATED 2025/2026 A COMPLETE
EXAM SOLUTION ALL ANSWERS 100% CORRECT DETAILED
GRADED A+ FOR PASS
respiratory rate of more than 25/min because of inconsistent O2concentrations. A high-flow
device (air-entrainment mask) is indicated in this situation because more consistent
O2concentrations are delivered, regardless of the patient's ventilatory pattern.
Which of the following ABG results would be considered normal in a patient with severe COPD?
A. pH 7.50, PCO2 40 torr, PO2 56 torr, HCO330 mEq/L, BE 4
B. pH 7.29, PCO2 54 torr, PO2 70 torr, HCO323 mEq/L, BE 0
C. pH 7.36, PCO2 40 torr, PO2 85 torr, HCO324 mEq/L, BE 1
D. pH 7.38, PCO2 60 torr, PO2 57 torr, HCO333 mEq/L, BE 10 - CORRECT ANSWERS D,
Refer to the explanation for question 13
The respiratory therapist is called to the bedside of a patient who is receiving volume-
controlled ventilation. Upon entering the room you notice the high-pressure limit is alarming
with every breath and the low-volume alarm is activated. The nurse informs you that the
patient had a pulmonary artery catheter inserted in the right subclavian vein 34 minutes prior.
Upon assessment the therapist notes unilateral expansion and diminished breath sounds in the
right upper
lobe. There is no tracheal deviation present. Heart rate is 102/min, RR 20/min, and BP 120/64.
What is the most appropriate recommendation at this time?
A)CXR and possible chest tube insertion
B)Emergency needle decompression
C)Monitor the patient for improvement in condition for the next 30 minutes.
D)STAT ABG - CORRECT ANSWERS . A, This scenario suggests a pneumothorax has most
likely occurred during the insertion of the subclavian line. Since the question states there is no
tracheal deviation, which would indicate a tension pneumothorax corrected with needle
decompression, getting a CXR and possible chest tube insertion is the best choice.
, THERAPIST MULTIPLE-CHOICE EXAMINATION: PRACTICE TEST
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS UPDATED 2025/2026 A COMPLETE
EXAM SOLUTION ALL ANSWERS 100% CORRECT DETAILED
GRADED A+ FOR PASS
how do you treat tension pneumothorax ? - CORRECT ANSWERS needle
decompression
A patient with a peak inspiratory flow of 40 L/min is to be given O2 with a 30% air-entrainment
mask. What is the minimum O2 flow required to meet the patient's inspiratory flow demands?
A. 3 L/min
B. 5 L/min
C. 8 L/min
D. 10 L/min - CORRECT ANSWERS . B, The air/O2ratio for 30% is 8 : 1. Add the two ratio
parts together and multiply by the lowest choice of the flow rates given that results in a total
flow are at least 40 L/min.
Which of the following represents the normal value for potassium?
A. 1.5 to 3.0 mEq/L
B. 3.5 to 5.0 mEq/L
C. 5.5 to 7.0 mEq/L
D. 7.0 to 8.5 mEq/L - CORRECT ANSWERS B, The normal value for potassium is 3.5-5.0
mEq/L
What is the most appropriate ventilator VT setting on a 75-kg (165-lb) drug overdose patient?
A. 400 mL
B. 500 mL
C. 700 mL
D. 900 mL - CORRECT ANSWERS B, Ventilator VT should be set at 6 to 8 mL/kg of ideal
body weight. The most appropriate volume would be 500 mL.
