CRT Respiratory Exam Prep Exam Questions & Answers 2026 (1–10)

Question 1

A respiratory therapist is evaluating a patient with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) who is experiencing a severe exacerbation. The patient's partial pressure of arterial oxygen ($$PaO_{2}$$) has dropped significantly. Which of the following medications should NOT be used to rapidly improve the patient's oxygenation?

TheoryPractice · Accepted Answer

Tiotropium. Answer: Tiotropium
Tiotropium is a long-acting muscarinic antagonist (LAMA) used for maintenance therapy in COPD and is not effective for rapid relief. Albuterol, levalbuterol, and ipratropium are all short-acting medications and are more appropriate for treating acute exacerbations.

Question 2

Which of the following is NOT an advantage of using invasive mechanical ventilation over non-invasive ventilation methods?

TheoryPractice · Accepted Answer

It reduces the risk of ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP). Answer: It reduces the risk of ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) While invasive mechanical ventilation has several advantages such as offering better control over oxygen levels, providing more accurate monitoring of ventilatory parameters, and being suitable for more severe cases of respiratory failure, it increases the risk of ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) compared to non-invasive methods.

Question 3

Which of the following conditions is BEST treated with positive pressure ventilation?

TheoryPractice · Accepted Answer

Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Answer: Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) Positive pressure ventilation is most effective for conditions like ARDS as it helps improve oxygenation and reduces the work of breathing by keeping alveoli open. While positive pressure ventilation may assist in the general management of COPD, pulmonary fibrosis, and pulmonary embolism, it is not the primary treatment modality for these conditions. Pulmonary fibrosis involves lung scarring that doesn't necessarily benefit from positive pressure, pulmonary embolism primarily requires antithrombotic treatment, and COPD management often focuses on airway clearance and bronchodilation.

Question 4

What percentage of a nebulized medication dose typically reaches the alveoli when administered correctly?

TheoryPractice · Accepted Answer

10%. Answer: 10% Only 10% of a nebulized medication dose typically reaches the alveoli. Ensuring proper technique during administration is crucial to maximize the therapeutic effect of the medication.

Question 5

A patient is being ventilated in an ICU at 25°C with a relative humidity of 60%. What is the absolute humidity of the air? (Note: at 25°C, air can hold 23.1 mg H2O/L)

TheoryPractice · Accepted Answer

13.86 mg H2O/L. Answer: 13.86 mg H2O/L Absolute humidity is calculated by multiplying relative humidity by the capacity of air to hold water. For this question, the equation is 0.60 * 23.1 mg H2O/L = 13.86 mg H2O/L.

Question 6

Which of the following conditions does NOT necessitate careful monitoring when initiating a bronchodilator therapy?

TheoryPractice · Accepted Answer

Hypotension. Answer: Hypotension Bronchodilator therapy, particularly with beta-agonists, can cause an increase in heart rate and blood pressure due to its stimulatory effects. Conditions such as hypertension, tachycardia, and cardiac arrhythmias must be carefully monitored as the medication can exacerbate these issues. Hypotension, on the other hand, is not typically aggravated by bronchodilators and thus does not require additional consideration.

Question 7

The respiratory therapist is asked to interpret the following ABG results from a patient with persistent diarrhea: Parameter Value pH 7.32 PaCO2 35 torr PaO2 90 torr HCO3- 16 mEq/l BE -8 Which of the following conditions is MOST likely to cause this ABG result?

TheoryPractice · Accepted Answer

Diarrhea-induced metabolic acidosis. Answer: Diarrhea-induced metabolic acidosis This ABG result indicates metabolic acidosis. Persistent diarrhea can cause a significant loss of bicarbonate, leading to metabolic acidosis. Intractable vomiting typically causes metabolic alkalosis. COPD exacerbation usually results in respiratory acidosis. Severe anxiety causing hyperventilation typically results in respiratory alkalosis.

Question 8

Which of the following is NOT an effect of hypoxemia in a patient with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)?

TheoryPractice · Accepted Answer

Increased erythropoiesis. Answer: Increased erythropoiesis Hypoxemia in COPD patients does not increase erythropoiesis directly. Instead, it frequently leads to pulmonary hypertension, polycythemia, and right ventricular hypertrophy due to chronic low oxygen levels and the subsequent physiological responses.

Question 9

During an asthmatic episode, which of the following breathing techniques is BEST for a patient to use to promote effective bronchodilation and improve airflow?

TheoryPractice · Accepted Answer

Pursed-lip breathing. Answer: Pursed-lip breathing Pursed-lip breathing helps to slow down the exhalation process, keep the airways open longer, and prevent airway collapse, thereby promoting bronchodilation and improving airflow during an asthmatic episode.

Question 10

Which of the following is NOT a potential hazard of using a mechanical ventilator?

TheoryPractice · Accepted Answer

Increased physical activity. Answer: Increased physical activity Using a mechanical ventilator cannot cause an increase in physical activity. It is intended to assist in breathing. Barotrauma, ventilator-associated pneumonia, and oxygen toxicity are potential hazards of mechanical ventilation.

CRT Respiratory Exam Prep Exam Questions & Answers 2026 (1–10)

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