RRT Respiratory Exam Prep 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.
Q1In the table below, identify which of the following lung capacities cannot be determined through spirometry alone due to the presence of non-measurable components: Lung Capacity Description Functional Residual Capacity (FRC) Consists of RV and ERV Inspiratory Capacity (IC) Includes TV and IRV Total Lung Capacity (TLC) Sum of all lung volumes Vital Capacity (VC) Maximum air exhaled after maximum inhalation
✓ Correct answer: D. Functional Residual Capacity (FRC)
Functional Residual Capacity (FRC) includes the Residual Volume (RV), which cannot be directly measured using spirometry. Inspiratory Capacity (IC), Total Lung Capacity (TLC), and Vital Capacity (VC) can be directly or indirectly measured using spirometry.
Q2Evaluate the table below to identify which type of blood cell count elevation could suggest an ongoing infection in a patient. Blood Component Normal Range Possible Indicator in Elevation White blood cells 4,500-11,000 cells/μL Infection or inflammation Red blood cells 4.7-6.1 million cells/μL Polycythemia or hypoxia Platelets 150,000-450,000 platelets/μL Chronic inflammation or malignancy
✓ Correct answer: C. White blood cells
Elevated white blood cells (leukocytosis) often indicate an ongoing infection or inflammation in the body. An increase in red blood cells or platelets does not typically indicate infection but may suggest other conditions like polycythemia or chronic inflammation.
Q3Examine the details below to determine the MOST likely underlying condition affecting this patient. (CHOOSE ONLY ONE.)
✓ Correct answer: B. Interstitial lung disease due to occupational exposure
The correct answer is Interstitial lung disease due to occupational exposure. This condition is consistent with the patient's history of working in metal factories and inhaling irritants like nickel and chromium, which can lead to interstitial lung diseases characterized by symptoms such as persistent dry cough and shortness of breath. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) from smoking is unlikely due to the patient's non-smoking status. Acute bronchitis typically presents with productive cough. Pulmonary embolism does not match the gradual onset and pattern of interstitial changes seen in imaging.
Q4A 56-year-old patient on anticoagulant therapy is scheduled for a bronchoscopy. Which of the following considerations is MOST important before proceeding with the procedure?
✓ Correct answer: A. Increased risk of bleeding during bronchoscopy
Answer: Increased risk of bleeding during bronchoscopy Patients on anticoagulant therapy are at a greater risk for bleeding during invasive procedures such as bronchoscopy. It is crucial to assess the patient's coagulation status before proceeding, and measures may need to be taken to manage bleeding risk. While oxygen desaturation and risk of pneumonia are considerations, the most critical consideration in this context is the risk of bleeding. Anticoagulant therapy directly impacts this risk, whereas its connection to oxygen desaturation or pneumonia is indirect or minimal.
Q5Which of the following BEST describes stridor?
✓ Correct answer: D. A high-pitched, wheezing sound resulting from turbulent air flow in the upper airway either during inspiration or expiration, often located around the trachea or larynx
Answer: A high-pitched, wheezing sound resulting from turbulent air flow in the upper airway either during inspiration or expiration, often located around the trachea or larynx. Stridor is typically a high-pitched, wheezing sound due to turbulent airflow in the upper airway. The sound is most commonly heard during inspiration, but can also occur during expiration. Stridor is often localized to the trachea or larynx and can indicate upper airway obstruction.
Q6Based on the following patient data, which patient would be contraindicated for a high-frequency oscillatory ventilation (HFOV) trial due to their condition? Patient Age Diagnosis Mean Arterial Pressure (MAP) (mm Hg) Blood Gas: pH / PaCO2 (mm Hg) Patient A 60 ARDS 85 7.35 / 45 Patient B 50 COPD 50 7.20 / 70 Patient C 40 Pneumonia 90 7.40 / 40 Patient D 30 Sepsis 65 7.36 / 60
✓ Correct answer: A. Patient B
HFOV is contraindicated in patients with severe acidosis (low pH) and hypotension (low MAP). Patient B has a MAP of 50 mm Hg, which is lower than normal, and a pH of 7.20, indicating severe acidosis. These conditions make HFOV unsuitable for Patient B.
Q7Which of the following is NOT a correct technique for hyperinflation therapy using an incentive spirometer?
✓ Correct answer: D. Exhale quickly and then inhale rapidly to maximize lung volume
Exhaling quickly and then inhaling rapidly is not a recommended technique for incentive spirometry. Proper technique involves inhaling slowly and keeping the flow indicator in the target range to ensure adequate lung expansion. Sitting up straight enhances inhalation, and exhaling completely before using the spirometer ensures maximum lung capacity utilization.
Q8A patient presents with a $$PaO_{2}$$ of 58 mmHg on room air. What is the appropriate intervention for this patient?
✓ Correct answer: A. Administer supplemental oxygen to improve $$PaO_{2}$$ levels.
Answer: Administer supplemental oxygen to improve $$PaO_{2}$$ levels. A $$PaO_{2}$$ of 58 mmHg indicates moderate hypoxemia, and oxygen therapy should be administered to increase arterial oxygen content. Immediate intubation or mechanical ventilation is not indicated unless other clinical signs necessitate it. Monitoring without intervention could worsen the patient’s condition.
Q9Analyze the table below to determine the expected breathing patterns in a patient with specific blood gas results: Condition pH PaCO2 (torr) PaO2 (torr) HCO3- (mEq/L) Expected Breathing Pattern Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA) 7.20 30 85 16 Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) 7.35 55 60 27 Metabolic Alkalosis 7.50 45 90 32 What is the expected breathing pattern for the DKA patient?
✓ Correct answer: D. Rapid, deep breaths with prolonged expiratory phase
In Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA), the patient typically exhibits the Kussmaul breathing pattern, characterized by rapid, deep breaths with a prolonged expiratory phase. This helps eliminate excess $$CO_{2}$$ and counteracts metabolic acidosis, as evidenced by the blood gas results with low pH and low HCO3- levels.
Q10Evaluate the following situations to identify which one is NOT a direct cause of lung collapse (pneumothorax).
✓ Correct answer: D. Spontaneous pneumothorax in a healthy person
The correct answer is spontaneous pneumothorax in a healthy person. While it can lead to lung collapse, it is not due to a direct injury but rather occurs without apparent injury. Blunt chest trauma, rib fractures, and penetrating chest injuries are direct injuries that can cause a pneumothorax.
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