SJVC RCP 100 FINAL | RESPIRATORY CARE PRACTICE EXAM– QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS | VERIFIED AND WELL
DETAILED ANSWERS | PLUS RATIONALES | DOWNLOAD AND PASS | LATEST EXAM UPDATE 2026/2027
Core Domains
Patient Assessment and Documentation
Oxygen Therapy and Medical Gas Administration
Airway Management and Clearance Techniques
Mechanical Ventilation and Non-Invasive Ventilation
Pharmacology and Aerosolized Medication Delivery
Pulmonary Function Testing and Diagnostic Interpretation
Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation and Emergency Care
Infection Control and Regulatory Compliance
Ethics, Professionalism, and Patient Safety
Neonatal and Pediatric Respiratory Care
Introduction
The purpose of this examination is to evaluate the comprehensive knowledge, clinical reasoning, and technical
proficiency required of entry-level respiratory care practitioners. The assessment covers foundational theory, applied
,professional knowledge, regulatory compliance, ethics, and real-world clinical scenarios. Multiple-choice and scenario-
based questions are designed to measure critical thinking, decision-making, and the safe application of respiratory care
procedures across diverse patient populations. Emphasis is placed on evidence-based practice, patient safety, and
effective communication within interdisciplinary healthcare teams.
SECTION ONE: QUESTIONS 1–50
1. A patient with a history of COPD presents with a barrel chest and pursed-lip breathing. Which pathophysiological
change best explains the barrel chest?
A. Increased residual volume due to air trapping
B. Decreased functional residual capacity
C. Increased tidal volume due to hyperventilation
D. Decreased total lung capacity
🟢 Correct Answer: A. Increased residual volume due to air trapping
🔴 Explanation: In COPD, loss of elastic recoil and airway collapse during exhalation lead to air trapping,
hyperinflation, and increased residual volume, producing a barrel chest appearance.
2. Which of the following is the most appropriate initial oxygen delivery device for a spontaneously breathing
patient with an acute asthma exacerbation and an SpO2 of 88%?
,A. Nasal cannula at 2 L/min
B. Simple mask at 5 L/min
C. Venturi mask at 28%
D. Non-rebreather mask at 10 L/min
🟢 Correct Answer: D. Non-rebreather mask at 10 L/min
🔴 Explanation: A non-rebreather mask delivers the highest FiO2 among the listed options and is indicated for
severe hypoxemia to rapidly correct oxygen saturation.
3. A respiratory therapist notices a physician's order for IPPB therapy on a patient with a spontaneous
pneumothorax. What is the most appropriate action?
A. Perform the therapy as ordered
B. Refuse to perform the therapy and document the refusal
C. Contact the physician to clarify the order due to the contraindication
D. Modify the order to a bland aerosol treatment
🟢 Correct Answer: C. Contact the physician to clarify the order due to the contraindication
🔴 Explanation: IPPB is contraindicated in untreated pneumothorax. The therapist must recognize the
contraindication and communicate with the physician before proceeding.
, 4. Which of the following values represents a normal adult respiratory rate?
A. 6–10 breaths/min
B. 12–20 breaths/min
C. 22–28 breaths/min
D. 30–40 breaths/min
🟢 Correct Answer: B. 12–20 breaths/min
🔴 Explanation: The normal adult respiratory rate is typically 12 to 20 breaths per minute.
5. A patient's arterial blood gas shows pH 7.28, PaCO2 58 mm Hg, and HCO3- 24 mEq/L. How should this be
interpreted?
A. Respiratory alkalosis
B. Respiratory acidosis
C. Metabolic acidosis
D. Metabolic alkalosis
🟢 Correct Answer: B. Respiratory acidosis
🔴 Explanation: The pH is acidotic, and the elevated PaCO2 with a normal bicarbonate level indicates an acute
respiratory acidosis.
DETAILED ANSWERS | PLUS RATIONALES | DOWNLOAD AND PASS | LATEST EXAM UPDATE 2026/2027
Core Domains
Patient Assessment and Documentation
Oxygen Therapy and Medical Gas Administration
Airway Management and Clearance Techniques
Mechanical Ventilation and Non-Invasive Ventilation
Pharmacology and Aerosolized Medication Delivery
Pulmonary Function Testing and Diagnostic Interpretation
Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation and Emergency Care
Infection Control and Regulatory Compliance
Ethics, Professionalism, and Patient Safety
Neonatal and Pediatric Respiratory Care
Introduction
The purpose of this examination is to evaluate the comprehensive knowledge, clinical reasoning, and technical
proficiency required of entry-level respiratory care practitioners. The assessment covers foundational theory, applied
,professional knowledge, regulatory compliance, ethics, and real-world clinical scenarios. Multiple-choice and scenario-
based questions are designed to measure critical thinking, decision-making, and the safe application of respiratory care
procedures across diverse patient populations. Emphasis is placed on evidence-based practice, patient safety, and
effective communication within interdisciplinary healthcare teams.
SECTION ONE: QUESTIONS 1–50
1. A patient with a history of COPD presents with a barrel chest and pursed-lip breathing. Which pathophysiological
change best explains the barrel chest?
A. Increased residual volume due to air trapping
B. Decreased functional residual capacity
C. Increased tidal volume due to hyperventilation
D. Decreased total lung capacity
🟢 Correct Answer: A. Increased residual volume due to air trapping
🔴 Explanation: In COPD, loss of elastic recoil and airway collapse during exhalation lead to air trapping,
hyperinflation, and increased residual volume, producing a barrel chest appearance.
2. Which of the following is the most appropriate initial oxygen delivery device for a spontaneously breathing
patient with an acute asthma exacerbation and an SpO2 of 88%?
,A. Nasal cannula at 2 L/min
B. Simple mask at 5 L/min
C. Venturi mask at 28%
D. Non-rebreather mask at 10 L/min
🟢 Correct Answer: D. Non-rebreather mask at 10 L/min
🔴 Explanation: A non-rebreather mask delivers the highest FiO2 among the listed options and is indicated for
severe hypoxemia to rapidly correct oxygen saturation.
3. A respiratory therapist notices a physician's order for IPPB therapy on a patient with a spontaneous
pneumothorax. What is the most appropriate action?
A. Perform the therapy as ordered
B. Refuse to perform the therapy and document the refusal
C. Contact the physician to clarify the order due to the contraindication
D. Modify the order to a bland aerosol treatment
🟢 Correct Answer: C. Contact the physician to clarify the order due to the contraindication
🔴 Explanation: IPPB is contraindicated in untreated pneumothorax. The therapist must recognize the
contraindication and communicate with the physician before proceeding.
, 4. Which of the following values represents a normal adult respiratory rate?
A. 6–10 breaths/min
B. 12–20 breaths/min
C. 22–28 breaths/min
D. 30–40 breaths/min
🟢 Correct Answer: B. 12–20 breaths/min
🔴 Explanation: The normal adult respiratory rate is typically 12 to 20 breaths per minute.
5. A patient's arterial blood gas shows pH 7.28, PaCO2 58 mm Hg, and HCO3- 24 mEq/L. How should this be
interpreted?
A. Respiratory alkalosis
B. Respiratory acidosis
C. Metabolic acidosis
D. Metabolic alkalosis
🟢 Correct Answer: B. Respiratory acidosis
🔴 Explanation: The pH is acidotic, and the elevated PaCO2 with a normal bicarbonate level indicates an acute
respiratory acidosis.
