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.
Q21The respiratory therapist is assessing a patient's ventilation status using a capnograph. Which of the following values can NOT be determined from capnography?
✓ Correct answer: B. $$PaO_{2}$$
Answer: $$PaO_{2}$$ Capnography measures exhaled $$CO_{2}$$ and provides values such as PETCO2/ETCO2, respiratory rate, and the capnographic waveform. It cannot determine arterial oxygen partial pressure ($$PaO_{2}$$), which requires arterial blood gas analysis.
Q22Which of the following BEST describes the mechanism of action of Dornase Alfa (Pulmozyme) in cystic fibrosis patients?
✓ Correct answer: A. Enzymatically cleaves extracellular DNA in sputum
Answer: Enzymatically cleaves extracellular DNA in sputum Dornase Alfa (Pulmozyme) acts by enzymatically cleaving the extracellular DNA found in the sputum of cystic fibrosis patients, reducing its viscosity. It is important to note that Dornase Alfa does not change the pH of airway secretions, nor does it work by stimulating bronchioles or by combining with oxygen to liquefy sputum.
Q23Evaluate the following interventions for a neonate exhibiting signs of respiratory distress and cyanosis with no palpable pulse. Which of the following interventions are NOT immediately indicated for this patient? (SELECT AS MANY as you consider indicated.)
✓ Correct answer: D. Intubation
In an emergency scenario with no palpable pulse, immediate interventions such as positive pressure ventilation and supplemental oxygen are critical to address the symptoms of respiratory distress and low oxygen saturation. Physical stimulation can help increase respiratory efforts. Intubation and Apgar score assessment, while potentially beneficial, are not immediate priorities in situations where rapid stabilization is necessary.
Q24When delivering a gas mixture with an absolute humidity of 30 mg/L at room temperature directly to the alveoli, which of the following is TRUE?
✓ Correct answer: A. This can cause alveolar dehydration due to the insufficient humidity of delivered gas.
Answer: This can cause alveolar dehydration due to the insufficient humidity of delivered gas. Delivering gas with an absolute humidity of 30 mg/L at room temperature directly to the alveoli can lead to alveolar dehydration. Optimal alveolar conditions require a higher absolute humidity to prevent water loss from the mucosal surfaces. Room temperature gas with this humidity level provides insufficient moisture.
Q25A patient is experiencing an acute asthma attack, and the respiratory therapist needs to administer a medication that will activate the patient's beta-2 adrenergic receptors. Which of the following physiological responses is NOT primarily mediated by beta-2 adrenergic receptor stimulation?
✓ Correct answer: C. Increased heart rate
Answer: Increased heart rate. The heart rate is primarily controlled by beta-1 adrenergic receptors, which are different from beta-2 receptors involved in bronchodilation and vasodilation of lesser blood vessels. Beta-2 adrenergic receptors are important in bronchodilation, vasodilation of pulmonary arteries, and increased mucous secretion in the airways, but they do not directly affect heart rate.
Q26Refer to the details provided to determine the main reason for initiating ambient air mask therapy. (CHOOSE ONLY ONE.)
✓ Correct answer: A. Lack of evidence supporting its efficacy in treating non-asthmatic bronchospasm
There is no concrete evidence that ambient air mask therapy is effective in treating non-asthmatic bronchospasm. Its use is not contraindicated, but efficacy has not been established.
Q27A respiratory therapist is using a pulse oximeter to monitor oxygen saturation in a patient with carbon monoxide poisoning. How is the patient's $$SpO_{2}$$ reading likely to be affected?
✓ Correct answer: C. It will be falsely high
Answer: It will be falsely high Carbon monoxide binds to hemoglobin, forming carboxyhemoglobin, which pulse oximeters incorrectly interpret as oxyhemoglobin. This results in falsely elevated $$SpO_{2}$$ readings because the device cannot distinguish between the two.
Q28A patient in a hospital is on mechanical ventilation. You notice a sudden drop in the exhaled tidal volume on the ventilator display. Which of the following factors would NOT cause this occurrence?
✓ Correct answer: D. An increase in lung compliance
An increase in lung compliance would typically lead to an increase in exhaled tidal volume, not a decrease. A leak in the ventilator circuit, disconnection, or obstruction would all lead to a sudden decrease in exhaled tidal volume.
Q29When performing sterilization on respiratory therapy equipment, the therapist recognizes that it does NOT destroy which of the following?
✓ Correct answer: C. Prions
Answer: Prions Sterilization aims to destroy all forms of microbial life, including bacteria, viruses, and fungi; however, prions are resistant to the standard sterilization methods and pose a unique challenge.
Q30Identify which of the following surfaces can be properly disinfected using UV radiation: Surface Material Hospital Bed Rail Metal Patient Chart Paper Ventilator Control Panel Plastic Isolation Room Window Glass Blood Pressure Cuff Fabric
✓ Correct answer: B. Hospital Bed Rail, Ventilator Control Panel, Isolation Room Window
UV radiation is effective for disinfecting non-porous surfaces such as metal, plastic, and glass. It does not penetrate or effectively disinfect more porous materials such as paper and fabric. Therefore, the hospital bed rail, ventilator control panel, and isolation room window can be disinfected with UV radiation.
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