Respiratory TMC practice questions and answers 2026. Tap an option to test yourself — you'll see the correct answer and a plain-English explanation for every question. Free, no login.
Q11A capnogram showing a progressively rising baseline and increasing PetCO2 with a normal-shaped waveform most likely indicates:
✓ Correct answer: B. Hypoventilation/rebreathing
Rising PetCO2 with a normal waveform indicates CO2 accumulation from hypoventilation or rebreathing, not a sudden mechanical loss of signal.
Topic: Patient Assessment
Q12On a chest radiograph, the tip of a properly placed endotracheal tube should sit approximately:
✓ Correct answer: C. 2-6 cm above the carina
The ETT tip is ideally 2-6 cm (about 4 cm) above the carina with the head in neutral position to avoid mainstem intubation or accidental extubation.
Topic: Patient Assessment
Q13A chest film showing tracheal shift TOWARD the affected side with volume loss is most consistent with:
✓ Correct answer: A. Atelectasis
Atelectasis causes volume loss that pulls the trachea and mediastinum toward the affected side; tension pneumothorax and large effusions push them away.
Topic: Patient Assessment
Q14Thick, foul-smelling, greenish-yellow sputum most likely indicates:
✓ Correct answer: C. Bacterial infection
Purulent, malodorous, colored sputum suggests bacterial infection; frothy pink sputum suggests pulmonary edema and clear/white suggests viral or normal secretions.
Topic: Patient Assessment
Q15Frothy, pink-tinged sputum in an acutely dyspneic patient most strongly suggests:
✓ Correct answer: B. Pulmonary edema
Pink, frothy secretions reflect alveolar fluid mixed with blood, the classic finding in cardiogenic pulmonary edema.
Topic: Patient Assessment
Q16Use of the sternocleidomastoid and scalene muscles during quiet breathing indicates:
✓ Correct answer: D. Increased work of breathing
Recruitment of accessory muscles at rest signals increased work of breathing and impending respiratory distress.
Topic: Patient Assessment
Q17A Glasgow Coma Scale score of 8 or lower in a patient with respiratory compromise most importantly indicates:
✓ Correct answer: B. Likely inability to protect the airway
A GCS of 8 or below generally signals loss of protective airway reflexes, prompting consideration of intubation to secure the airway.
Topic: Patient Assessment
Q18A patient has an FEV1/FVC ratio of 60% with reduced FEV1. This pattern is characteristic of:
✓ Correct answer: A. Obstructive lung disease
A reduced FEV1/FVC ratio (below ~70%) defines an obstructive defect; restrictive disease typically preserves or raises the ratio while lowering volumes.
Topic: Patient Assessment
Q19A patient has a normal FEV1/FVC ratio but a markedly reduced FVC and total lung capacity. This indicates:
✓ Correct answer: C. Restrictive disease
Proportional reduction in volumes with a preserved or elevated FEV1/FVC ratio and low TLC defines a restrictive pattern.
Topic: Patient Assessment
Q20During a six-minute walk test, the primary parameter monitored to assess exercise desaturation is:
✓ Correct answer: B. SpO2
The six-minute walk test tracks SpO2 (and distance/symptoms) to detect exertional desaturation and titrate oxygen needs.
Topic: Patient Assessment
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Theory