NBRC: Exam Notes
These cards are questions/answers based on the 'Exam Notes' highlighted in the NBRC
review guide and other key study factors. -
What is the standard PSI in a full gas cylinder? -
2200 psi
The most common gas cylinders are H and E-tanks...what are the tank factors for these tanks?
-
E-tank: .28
H-tank: 3.14
What are the Air Entrainment Factors (AEF)?
(This is a personal shortcut...do not use if you don't understand) -
% AEF
24 26
28 11
30 9
35 6
40 4
50 2.7
60 2
What are tank colors for:
O2
Helium
Nitrous -
O2: Green
Helium: Brown
Nitrous: Light Blue
Given Pt spontaneous tidal volume, what calculation is used to determine a flow that meets
inspiratory demand? *** -
Minute volume (V) = vol/time
V = flow rate in L/min or L/s
volume = Liters
time = min or seconds
1. Given Pt Vt, change to liters...e.g. 500ml = .5L
2. Divide by inspiratory time
....5/1sec = .5l/s
3. Calculate l/min flow...mult l/s x 60(sec) = .5 x 60 = 30 l/min flow demand required
What is the math shortcut to calculate the weight of liquid O2?
Why is this important?
1|Page
, *** -
344 x weight in pounds = remaining gas in liters
The liters are then used to calculate "Time Remaining"...Divide liters by liter flow rate to
determine minutes duration remaining
If Pt is on ≥ 60% O2, is adequately ventilating but still hypoxic (refractory)...what is the next
step indication? -
Place Pt on CPAP
Exception: Do NOT apply positive pressure is Pt is:
1) Hypotensive
2) Low QT
3) High ICP
4 types of hypoxemia: pg 7*** review -
What is the proper O2% and device if the Pt has been exposed to CO? -
*Always 100% O2*
Device usually= NRB...may be times where the question is setup such that CPAP or ETT are
in place
What is the MOST effective measurement of O2 capacity of blood? -
CaO2
Shortcut to calculation of CaO2 -
1) It is not necessary to calculate % dissolved in plasma
2) Calculate: (Hb x 1.34) SaO2 and then select the answer slightly HIGHER than your result
What is the Max O2% obtainable for nasal cannula? -
40%
Why does Pt breathing pattern matter in selection of O2 device? -
1) If irregular and/or +25 RR/min...do NOT select a low flow device
select: air-entrainment or aerosol mask (High Flow)
What is the result if the entrainment port is occluded? -
↓air entrained thus ↑FIO2***
How do you calculate total flow with an air-entrainment mask? -
Total Flow = AEF x flow rate
How do you calculate Pt inspiratory flow (IF)? -
IF = Vt(L) ÷ time
(mult x 60 to get l/min)
With an aerosol mask, how do you know if you have sufficient flow? -
2|Page
These cards are questions/answers based on the 'Exam Notes' highlighted in the NBRC
review guide and other key study factors. -
What is the standard PSI in a full gas cylinder? -
2200 psi
The most common gas cylinders are H and E-tanks...what are the tank factors for these tanks?
-
E-tank: .28
H-tank: 3.14
What are the Air Entrainment Factors (AEF)?
(This is a personal shortcut...do not use if you don't understand) -
% AEF
24 26
28 11
30 9
35 6
40 4
50 2.7
60 2
What are tank colors for:
O2
Helium
Nitrous -
O2: Green
Helium: Brown
Nitrous: Light Blue
Given Pt spontaneous tidal volume, what calculation is used to determine a flow that meets
inspiratory demand? *** -
Minute volume (V) = vol/time
V = flow rate in L/min or L/s
volume = Liters
time = min or seconds
1. Given Pt Vt, change to liters...e.g. 500ml = .5L
2. Divide by inspiratory time
....5/1sec = .5l/s
3. Calculate l/min flow...mult l/s x 60(sec) = .5 x 60 = 30 l/min flow demand required
What is the math shortcut to calculate the weight of liquid O2?
Why is this important?
1|Page
, *** -
344 x weight in pounds = remaining gas in liters
The liters are then used to calculate "Time Remaining"...Divide liters by liter flow rate to
determine minutes duration remaining
If Pt is on ≥ 60% O2, is adequately ventilating but still hypoxic (refractory)...what is the next
step indication? -
Place Pt on CPAP
Exception: Do NOT apply positive pressure is Pt is:
1) Hypotensive
2) Low QT
3) High ICP
4 types of hypoxemia: pg 7*** review -
What is the proper O2% and device if the Pt has been exposed to CO? -
*Always 100% O2*
Device usually= NRB...may be times where the question is setup such that CPAP or ETT are
in place
What is the MOST effective measurement of O2 capacity of blood? -
CaO2
Shortcut to calculation of CaO2 -
1) It is not necessary to calculate % dissolved in plasma
2) Calculate: (Hb x 1.34) SaO2 and then select the answer slightly HIGHER than your result
What is the Max O2% obtainable for nasal cannula? -
40%
Why does Pt breathing pattern matter in selection of O2 device? -
1) If irregular and/or +25 RR/min...do NOT select a low flow device
select: air-entrainment or aerosol mask (High Flow)
What is the result if the entrainment port is occluded? -
↓air entrained thus ↑FIO2***
How do you calculate total flow with an air-entrainment mask? -
Total Flow = AEF x flow rate
How do you calculate Pt inspiratory flow (IF)? -
IF = Vt(L) ÷ time
(mult x 60 to get l/min)
With an aerosol mask, how do you know if you have sufficient flow? -
2|Page
