Arizona Respiratory Therapist Licensure
Exam Practice Questions And Correct
Answers (Verified Answers) Plus
Rationale 2026 Q&A| Instant Download
Pdf
1. A respiratory therapist is assessing a patient with acute respiratory
distress. Which clinical finding most strongly indicates the need for
immediate airway intervention?
A. Respiratory rate of 22 breaths/min
B. Mild wheezing on auscultation
C. Oxygen saturation of 95% on room air
D. Use of accessory muscles with altered mental status
Answer: D
Rationale: Use of accessory muscles combined with altered mental
status indicates impending respiratory failure and requires
immediate airway intervention to prevent deterioration.
2. Which of the following best describes the primary function of
surfactant in the lungs?
A. Increase airway resistance
B. Reduce alveolar surface tension
C. Enhance oxygen binding to hemoglobin
D. Promote mucus production
Answer: B
Rationale: Surfactant reduces alveolar surface tension, preventing
alveolar collapse and improving lung compliance.
,3. A respiratory therapist reviews arterial blood gas results: pH 7.30,
PaCO₂ 55 mmHg, HCO₃⁻ 26 mEq/L. What is the interpretation?
A. Metabolic acidosis
B. Respiratory acidosis
C. Metabolic alkalosis
D. Respiratory alkalosis
Answer: B
Rationale: The low pH and elevated PaCO₂ indicate respiratory
acidosis due to hypoventilation.
4. Which oxygen delivery device provides the most precise FiO₂?
A. Nasal cannula
B. Simple face mask
C. Venturi mask
D. Non-rebreather mask
Answer: C
Rationale: The Venturi mask delivers a fixed and precise FiO₂ by
mixing oxygen with room air in controlled ratios.
5. A patient with COPD is receiving oxygen therapy. What is the primary
concern when administering high levels of oxygen?
A. Oxygen toxicity
B. Nitrogen narcosis
C. Suppression of hypoxic drive
D. Increased hemoglobin affinity
Answer: C
Rationale: In COPD patients, excessive oxygen may suppress the
hypoxic drive, leading to hypoventilation.
6. Which ventilator mode delivers a preset tidal volume regardless of
airway pressure?
A. Pressure control ventilation
B. Volume control ventilation
C. CPAP
D. BiPAP
Answer: B
Rationale: Volume control ventilation ensures delivery of a fixed tidal
volume despite changes in airway resistance or compliance.
, 7. What is the normal range for arterial oxygen tension (PaO₂)?
A. 35–45 mmHg
B. 60–80 mmHg
C. 80–100 mmHg
D. 100–120 mmHg
Answer: C
Rationale: Normal PaO₂ values typically range from 80 to 100 mmHg
in healthy individuals.
8. A therapist notes high peak inspiratory pressures on a ventilator. What
is the most likely cause?
A. Increased lung compliance
B. Airway obstruction
C. Decreased tidal volume
D. Low respiratory rate
Answer: B
Rationale: Increased peak inspiratory pressure often indicates airway
resistance such as obstruction or bronchospasm.
9. Which condition is characterized by destruction of alveolar walls and
air trapping?
A. Asthma
B. Bronchitis
C. Emphysema
D. Pneumonia
Answer: C
Rationale: Emphysema involves alveolar wall destruction leading to
decreased surface area and air trapping.
10. What is the primary indication for suctioning a patient?
A. Routine schedule
B. Presence of visible secretions
C. Patient request
D. Elevated blood pressure
Answer: B
Rationale: Suctioning is indicated when secretions are present and
obstructing the airway, not routinely.
Exam Practice Questions And Correct
Answers (Verified Answers) Plus
Rationale 2026 Q&A| Instant Download
1. A respiratory therapist is assessing a patient with acute respiratory
distress. Which clinical finding most strongly indicates the need for
immediate airway intervention?
A. Respiratory rate of 22 breaths/min
B. Mild wheezing on auscultation
C. Oxygen saturation of 95% on room air
D. Use of accessory muscles with altered mental status
Answer: D
Rationale: Use of accessory muscles combined with altered mental
status indicates impending respiratory failure and requires
immediate airway intervention to prevent deterioration.
2. Which of the following best describes the primary function of
surfactant in the lungs?
A. Increase airway resistance
B. Reduce alveolar surface tension
C. Enhance oxygen binding to hemoglobin
D. Promote mucus production
Answer: B
Rationale: Surfactant reduces alveolar surface tension, preventing
alveolar collapse and improving lung compliance.
,3. A respiratory therapist reviews arterial blood gas results: pH 7.30,
PaCO₂ 55 mmHg, HCO₃⁻ 26 mEq/L. What is the interpretation?
A. Metabolic acidosis
B. Respiratory acidosis
C. Metabolic alkalosis
D. Respiratory alkalosis
Answer: B
Rationale: The low pH and elevated PaCO₂ indicate respiratory
acidosis due to hypoventilation.
4. Which oxygen delivery device provides the most precise FiO₂?
A. Nasal cannula
B. Simple face mask
C. Venturi mask
D. Non-rebreather mask
Answer: C
Rationale: The Venturi mask delivers a fixed and precise FiO₂ by
mixing oxygen with room air in controlled ratios.
5. A patient with COPD is receiving oxygen therapy. What is the primary
concern when administering high levels of oxygen?
A. Oxygen toxicity
B. Nitrogen narcosis
C. Suppression of hypoxic drive
D. Increased hemoglobin affinity
Answer: C
Rationale: In COPD patients, excessive oxygen may suppress the
hypoxic drive, leading to hypoventilation.
6. Which ventilator mode delivers a preset tidal volume regardless of
airway pressure?
A. Pressure control ventilation
B. Volume control ventilation
C. CPAP
D. BiPAP
Answer: B
Rationale: Volume control ventilation ensures delivery of a fixed tidal
volume despite changes in airway resistance or compliance.
, 7. What is the normal range for arterial oxygen tension (PaO₂)?
A. 35–45 mmHg
B. 60–80 mmHg
C. 80–100 mmHg
D. 100–120 mmHg
Answer: C
Rationale: Normal PaO₂ values typically range from 80 to 100 mmHg
in healthy individuals.
8. A therapist notes high peak inspiratory pressures on a ventilator. What
is the most likely cause?
A. Increased lung compliance
B. Airway obstruction
C. Decreased tidal volume
D. Low respiratory rate
Answer: B
Rationale: Increased peak inspiratory pressure often indicates airway
resistance such as obstruction or bronchospasm.
9. Which condition is characterized by destruction of alveolar walls and
air trapping?
A. Asthma
B. Bronchitis
C. Emphysema
D. Pneumonia
Answer: C
Rationale: Emphysema involves alveolar wall destruction leading to
decreased surface area and air trapping.
10. What is the primary indication for suctioning a patient?
A. Routine schedule
B. Presence of visible secretions
C. Patient request
D. Elevated blood pressure
Answer: B
Rationale: Suctioning is indicated when secretions are present and
obstructing the airway, not routinely.
