FCCS Post Test Review questions and answers
2026\2027 A+ Grade
Most important indicator that a patient has a severe illness?
- correct answer Tachypnea
3 respiratory types, and their criteria
- correct answer Hypoxemic (PaO2 <50-60)
Hypercapnic (PaCO2 >50, pH <7.36)
Mixed
Delta gap (formula, when and why it's used)
- correct answer Difference in AG from normal - Difference in HCO3 from normal
In AG metabolic acidosis it's used. It tells you if there's underlying metabolic alkalosis or respiratory
acidosis with bicarb compensation IN ADDITION to the AG metabolic acidosis. Both of those would result
in a high bicarb to begin with, and a smaller change in bicarb from normal.
Winter's formula (equation, what it measures)
- correct answer 1.5[HCO3] + 8 +/- 2
If compensation is adequate in acid/base issues
How AG changes with albumin changes
- correct answer Decreases 2.5-3 for every 1 decrease in albumin
Hemodynamic changes after intubation
- correct answer Hypo/hypertension
Arrhythmia
, Tachycardia
Pressure support equation for BiPAP
- correct answer IPAP - EPAP
3 types of vent cycles
- correct answer Volume (preset tidal volume, relieves WOB the most)
Time (constant pressure of time)
Flow (constant pressure until inspiratory flow is below 25% of peak)
Goal tidal volume
- correct answer 10 cc/kg
Goal FiO2 on vent
- correct answer Start at 1.0, then decrease as SpO2 tolerates (goal of 92-94 saturation)
Ppeak
- correct answer Peak inspiratory pressure
Pplat (try to keep it below ?)
- correct answer Inspiratory plateau pressure (shows alveolar distention)
30
AutoPEEP (what it is, what it causes, how to fix it)
- correct answer Breath stacking
Decreases preload to the heart with positive pressure on the lungs --> hypotension
Decrease RR, decrease inspiration time (goal is to have more time for the lungs to exhale)
Danger of increased PEEP
- correct answer Increases autoPEEP, increases Pplat
2026\2027 A+ Grade
Most important indicator that a patient has a severe illness?
- correct answer Tachypnea
3 respiratory types, and their criteria
- correct answer Hypoxemic (PaO2 <50-60)
Hypercapnic (PaCO2 >50, pH <7.36)
Mixed
Delta gap (formula, when and why it's used)
- correct answer Difference in AG from normal - Difference in HCO3 from normal
In AG metabolic acidosis it's used. It tells you if there's underlying metabolic alkalosis or respiratory
acidosis with bicarb compensation IN ADDITION to the AG metabolic acidosis. Both of those would result
in a high bicarb to begin with, and a smaller change in bicarb from normal.
Winter's formula (equation, what it measures)
- correct answer 1.5[HCO3] + 8 +/- 2
If compensation is adequate in acid/base issues
How AG changes with albumin changes
- correct answer Decreases 2.5-3 for every 1 decrease in albumin
Hemodynamic changes after intubation
- correct answer Hypo/hypertension
Arrhythmia
, Tachycardia
Pressure support equation for BiPAP
- correct answer IPAP - EPAP
3 types of vent cycles
- correct answer Volume (preset tidal volume, relieves WOB the most)
Time (constant pressure of time)
Flow (constant pressure until inspiratory flow is below 25% of peak)
Goal tidal volume
- correct answer 10 cc/kg
Goal FiO2 on vent
- correct answer Start at 1.0, then decrease as SpO2 tolerates (goal of 92-94 saturation)
Ppeak
- correct answer Peak inspiratory pressure
Pplat (try to keep it below ?)
- correct answer Inspiratory plateau pressure (shows alveolar distention)
30
AutoPEEP (what it is, what it causes, how to fix it)
- correct answer Breath stacking
Decreases preload to the heart with positive pressure on the lungs --> hypotension
Decrease RR, decrease inspiration time (goal is to have more time for the lungs to exhale)
Danger of increased PEEP
- correct answer Increases autoPEEP, increases Pplat
