Secure Comprehensive Therapist Multiple Choice SAE
Actual Exam Preparation Newest 2025/2026
Complete Questions And Correct Detailed Answers
(Verified Answers) |Brand New Version!!
A COPD patient is being weaned from mechanical ventilation using SIMV. Which of the
following arte- rial blood gas results indicates the SIMV rate should be decreased?
A. pH 7.34 , PaO2 45 torr PaCO2 60
B. pH 7.47 , PaCO2 60 PaO2 64
C. pH 7.51 , PaCO2 58 PaO2 42
D. pH 7.29 PaCO2 65 PaO2 85 - 100 correct answer as-B, This ABG indicates an
alkalotic pH resulting from a lower than normal PaCO2 for this COPD patient. In other
words, the patient is hyperventilating, but not because of hypoxemia observed in choice
C. This patient is "over-ventilating" on the ventilator indicating the SIMV rate should be
decreased.
While making ventilator checks, the respiratory therapist measures the ET-tube cuff
pressure to be 40 cm H2O. At PIP, air is passing around the cuff.
Which of the following actions should the therapist take at this time?
A. Decrease cuff pressure to 20 cm H2O
B. Add more air to the cuff to stop the leak
C. Recommend changing to a larger tube
D. Maintain the cuff pressure at 40 cm H2O - 100 correct answer as-C, Pressure
in the cuff should be maintained at no more than 20-30 cm H2O. If there is an excessive
amount of pressure and a leak is still present, the tube is too small and should be
replaced with a larger one.
If the respiratory therapist chooses an E cylinder to transport a patient within the
hospital and it contains 650 psig of O2, how long will the cylinder last if the flow is set at
10 L/min?
A. 18 minutes
B. 35 minutes
C. 56 minutes
D. 1 hour, 45 minutes - 100 correct answer as-650 * 0.28/10 = 18min
Which of the following will decrease delivered VT during pressure-control ventilation?
A. Increasing flow
B. Increasing PIP
C. Decreased airway resistance
D. Decreased lung compliance - 100 correct answer as-. D, With pressure-control
ventilation, PIP remains constant. Therefore, if lung compliance decreases PIP is
,unable to increase to deliver the same tidal volume, so tidal volume will decrease.
Changes in resistance and compliance will alter the delivered tidal volume
The respiratory therapist is asked to assess a 30-week-gestational-age infant with
persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn (PPHN). Which of the following
would you recommend to help treat this condition?
A. Permissive hypercapnia
B. Maintain PaO2 at 40 torr
C. Nitric oxide
D. Hypoventilation - 100 correct answer as-C, In order to decrease the high
pulmonary artery pressure, nitric oxide may be used since it's a potent pulmonary
vasodilator. By hyperventilating and decreasing the PaCO2 level, pulmonary
vasodilation occurs which decreases pulmonary hypertension. Hypercapnia (high
PaCO2level) causes pulmonary vasoconstriction which increases pulmonary
hypertension. Maintaining the PaO2 at 40 torr is too low for an infant and will be
detrimental. (Application)
A patient with COPD on a 50% air-entrainment mask becomes drowsy and
unresponsive. The patient's reaction most likely is the result of
A. Insufficient oxygenation
B. Decreased venous return
C. Increased PaCO2
D. Excessive ventilation - 100 correct answer as-C, A patient with severe COPD
who has chronic retention of CO2and chronic hypoxemia breathes on a different drive
than other patients. When any person's PaO2drops below 60 to 65 mm Hg, peripheral
chemoreceptors located in the carotid arteries and aortic arch sense this low PaO2and
trigger responses that increase the heart rate and respiratory rate to improve
oxygenation. Once O2 is administered and PaO2levels increase above 65 mm Hg,
these receptors stop triggering and the patient returns to his or her normal central
respiratory centered breathing stimulus. However, in a patient with COPD and constant
hypoxemia, with PaO2levels below 65 mm Hg, the primary breathing stimulus is from
the peripheral chemoreceptors. If oxygen is given and results in a PaO2above 65 mm
Hg, the potential of reducing drive increases. The patient's respiratory rate or VT will
begin to diminish, which would result in a decreased and lead to increased PaCO2
levels. As CO2increases, it causes a narcotic effect, known as "CO2narcosis," causing
the patient to become drowsy. This is best treated by simply decreasing the delivered
O2concentration. Some studies are questioning the validity of the "hypoxic drive"
phenomenon, but you should still understand its characteristics for this examination.
(Application)
While performing chest physical therapy on a ventilator patient, the respiratory therapist
percusses an area of hyperresonance. This assessment is consistent with which of the
following conditions?
A. Pleural effusion
B. Pneumothorax
C. Atelectasis
,D. Consolidation - 100 correct answer as-B, A hyperresonant percussion note is
heard over areas of the lung that contain a higher proportion of air than tissue. When a
pneumothorax is present, air enters and collects in the pleural space away from normal
blood flow or tissue. Another instance in which a hyperresonant note is heard is over a
hyperinflated chest, such as with emphysema.
After setting up a simple O2 mask, you kink the O2tubing and the humidifier produces a
high-pitched whistling sound. This indicates which of the following?
A. There are no leaks in the setup
B. The O2 flow to the mask is too low
C. There may be a crack in the O2 tubing
D. The capillary tube in the humidifier may be loose - 100 correct answer as-. A,
After an O2 delivery device is attached to the humidifier, the tubing should be kinked to
check for leaks in the system. When the O2tubing is kinked, back pressure enters the
humidifier. When the pressure builds to 2 psi, the pressure pop-off valve opens to
release the built-up pressure. That is the whistling noise heard. This indicates the setup
has no leaks. If, after kinking the tubing, the pop-off valve fails to open, there is a leak
somewhere in the setup. The most common leak occurs when the humidifier bottle is
not screwed on tight to the top. Other sources are small holes in the tubing or loose-
fitting tubing on the humidifier outlet.
If, after kinking the tubing, the pop-off valve fails to open, there is a leak somewhere in
the setup. The most common leak occurs when - 100 correct answer as-the
humidifier bottle is not screwed on tight to the top. Other sources are small holes in the
tubing or loose-fitting tubing on the humidifier outlet.
The following pulmonary function results are obtained on a patient:
FEV1/FVC 90% of predicted
FVC 55% of predicted
These data indicate the patient could have which of the following?
A. Emphysema
B. Cystic fibrosis
C. Chronic bronchitis
D. Pulmonary fibrosis - 100 correct answer as-D, Pulmonary fibrosis is an
example of a restrictive lung disorder. Restrictive disorders are characterized by
decreased volumes and capacities and normal flow studies on pulmonary function tests.
Obstructive disorders are characterized by increased volumes and capacities due to air
trapping and by decreased flow studies. When given a question on the exam where
there are three obstructive disease selections and one restrictive disorder, you should
select the one disorder not common to the other three. In other words, from these
pulmonary function values you would not be able to determine emphysema from chronic
bronchitis or cystic fibrosis (all obstructive disorders); therefore the answer must be the
restrictive disorder.
you are asked to deliver a low percentage of O2 to a patient whose respiratory rate is
30/min with an irregular breathing pattern. Which device would be the best choice?
, A. Nasal cannula at 2 L/min
B. Air-entrainment mask at 28%
C. Simple O2 mask at 5 L/min
D. Partial rebreathing mask at 8 L/min - 100 correct answer as-B, This question
appears to not give adequate information to answer the question. However, the idea is
that a low-flow O2device should not be set up for a patient who has an irregular
breathing pattern or a respiratory rate of more than 25/min because of inconsistent
O2concentrations. A high-flow device (air-entrainment mask) is indicated in this
situation because more consistent O2concentrations are delivered, regardless of the
patient's ventilatory pattern.
Which of the following ABG results would be considered normal in a patient with severe
COPD?
A. pH 7.50, PCO2 40 torr, PO2 56 torr, HCO330 mEq/L, BE 4
B. pH 7.29, PCO2 54 torr, PO2 70 torr, HCO323 mEq/L, BE 0
C. pH 7.36, PCO2 40 torr, PO2 85 torr, HCO324 mEq/L, BE 1
D. pH 7.38, PCO2 60 torr, PO2 57 torr, HCO333 mEq/L, BE 10 - 100 correct
answer as-D, Refer to the explanation for question 13
The respiratory therapist is called to the bedside of a patient who is receiving volume-
controlled ventilation. Upon entering the room you notice the high-pressure limit is
alarming with every breath and the low-volume alarm is activated. The nurse informs
you that the patient had a pulmonary artery catheter inserted in the right subclavian vein
34 minutes prior. Upon assessment the therapist notes unilateral expansion and
diminished breath sounds in the right upper
lobe. There is no tracheal deviation present. Heart rate is 102/min, RR 20/min, and BP
120/64. What is the most appropriate recommendation at this time?
A)CXR and possible chest tube insertion
B)Emergency needle decompression
C)Monitor the patient for improvement in condition for the next 30 minutes.
D)STAT ABG - 100 correct answer as-. A, This scenario suggests a
pneumothorax has most likely occurred during the insertion of the subclavian line. Since
the question states there is no tracheal deviation, which would indicate a tension
pneumothorax corrected with needle decompression, getting a CXR and possible chest
tube insertion is the best choice.
how do you treat tension pneumothorax ? - 100 correct answer as-needle
decompression
A patient with a peak inspiratory flow of 40 L/min is to be given O2 with a 30% air-
entrainment mask. What is the minimum O2 flow required to meet the patient's
inspiratory flow demands?
A. 3 L/min
B. 5 L/min
C. 8 L/min
Actual Exam Preparation Newest 2025/2026
Complete Questions And Correct Detailed Answers
(Verified Answers) |Brand New Version!!
A COPD patient is being weaned from mechanical ventilation using SIMV. Which of the
following arte- rial blood gas results indicates the SIMV rate should be decreased?
A. pH 7.34 , PaO2 45 torr PaCO2 60
B. pH 7.47 , PaCO2 60 PaO2 64
C. pH 7.51 , PaCO2 58 PaO2 42
D. pH 7.29 PaCO2 65 PaO2 85 - 100 correct answer as-B, This ABG indicates an
alkalotic pH resulting from a lower than normal PaCO2 for this COPD patient. In other
words, the patient is hyperventilating, but not because of hypoxemia observed in choice
C. This patient is "over-ventilating" on the ventilator indicating the SIMV rate should be
decreased.
While making ventilator checks, the respiratory therapist measures the ET-tube cuff
pressure to be 40 cm H2O. At PIP, air is passing around the cuff.
Which of the following actions should the therapist take at this time?
A. Decrease cuff pressure to 20 cm H2O
B. Add more air to the cuff to stop the leak
C. Recommend changing to a larger tube
D. Maintain the cuff pressure at 40 cm H2O - 100 correct answer as-C, Pressure
in the cuff should be maintained at no more than 20-30 cm H2O. If there is an excessive
amount of pressure and a leak is still present, the tube is too small and should be
replaced with a larger one.
If the respiratory therapist chooses an E cylinder to transport a patient within the
hospital and it contains 650 psig of O2, how long will the cylinder last if the flow is set at
10 L/min?
A. 18 minutes
B. 35 minutes
C. 56 minutes
D. 1 hour, 45 minutes - 100 correct answer as-650 * 0.28/10 = 18min
Which of the following will decrease delivered VT during pressure-control ventilation?
A. Increasing flow
B. Increasing PIP
C. Decreased airway resistance
D. Decreased lung compliance - 100 correct answer as-. D, With pressure-control
ventilation, PIP remains constant. Therefore, if lung compliance decreases PIP is
,unable to increase to deliver the same tidal volume, so tidal volume will decrease.
Changes in resistance and compliance will alter the delivered tidal volume
The respiratory therapist is asked to assess a 30-week-gestational-age infant with
persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn (PPHN). Which of the following
would you recommend to help treat this condition?
A. Permissive hypercapnia
B. Maintain PaO2 at 40 torr
C. Nitric oxide
D. Hypoventilation - 100 correct answer as-C, In order to decrease the high
pulmonary artery pressure, nitric oxide may be used since it's a potent pulmonary
vasodilator. By hyperventilating and decreasing the PaCO2 level, pulmonary
vasodilation occurs which decreases pulmonary hypertension. Hypercapnia (high
PaCO2level) causes pulmonary vasoconstriction which increases pulmonary
hypertension. Maintaining the PaO2 at 40 torr is too low for an infant and will be
detrimental. (Application)
A patient with COPD on a 50% air-entrainment mask becomes drowsy and
unresponsive. The patient's reaction most likely is the result of
A. Insufficient oxygenation
B. Decreased venous return
C. Increased PaCO2
D. Excessive ventilation - 100 correct answer as-C, A patient with severe COPD
who has chronic retention of CO2and chronic hypoxemia breathes on a different drive
than other patients. When any person's PaO2drops below 60 to 65 mm Hg, peripheral
chemoreceptors located in the carotid arteries and aortic arch sense this low PaO2and
trigger responses that increase the heart rate and respiratory rate to improve
oxygenation. Once O2 is administered and PaO2levels increase above 65 mm Hg,
these receptors stop triggering and the patient returns to his or her normal central
respiratory centered breathing stimulus. However, in a patient with COPD and constant
hypoxemia, with PaO2levels below 65 mm Hg, the primary breathing stimulus is from
the peripheral chemoreceptors. If oxygen is given and results in a PaO2above 65 mm
Hg, the potential of reducing drive increases. The patient's respiratory rate or VT will
begin to diminish, which would result in a decreased and lead to increased PaCO2
levels. As CO2increases, it causes a narcotic effect, known as "CO2narcosis," causing
the patient to become drowsy. This is best treated by simply decreasing the delivered
O2concentration. Some studies are questioning the validity of the "hypoxic drive"
phenomenon, but you should still understand its characteristics for this examination.
(Application)
While performing chest physical therapy on a ventilator patient, the respiratory therapist
percusses an area of hyperresonance. This assessment is consistent with which of the
following conditions?
A. Pleural effusion
B. Pneumothorax
C. Atelectasis
,D. Consolidation - 100 correct answer as-B, A hyperresonant percussion note is
heard over areas of the lung that contain a higher proportion of air than tissue. When a
pneumothorax is present, air enters and collects in the pleural space away from normal
blood flow or tissue. Another instance in which a hyperresonant note is heard is over a
hyperinflated chest, such as with emphysema.
After setting up a simple O2 mask, you kink the O2tubing and the humidifier produces a
high-pitched whistling sound. This indicates which of the following?
A. There are no leaks in the setup
B. The O2 flow to the mask is too low
C. There may be a crack in the O2 tubing
D. The capillary tube in the humidifier may be loose - 100 correct answer as-. A,
After an O2 delivery device is attached to the humidifier, the tubing should be kinked to
check for leaks in the system. When the O2tubing is kinked, back pressure enters the
humidifier. When the pressure builds to 2 psi, the pressure pop-off valve opens to
release the built-up pressure. That is the whistling noise heard. This indicates the setup
has no leaks. If, after kinking the tubing, the pop-off valve fails to open, there is a leak
somewhere in the setup. The most common leak occurs when the humidifier bottle is
not screwed on tight to the top. Other sources are small holes in the tubing or loose-
fitting tubing on the humidifier outlet.
If, after kinking the tubing, the pop-off valve fails to open, there is a leak somewhere in
the setup. The most common leak occurs when - 100 correct answer as-the
humidifier bottle is not screwed on tight to the top. Other sources are small holes in the
tubing or loose-fitting tubing on the humidifier outlet.
The following pulmonary function results are obtained on a patient:
FEV1/FVC 90% of predicted
FVC 55% of predicted
These data indicate the patient could have which of the following?
A. Emphysema
B. Cystic fibrosis
C. Chronic bronchitis
D. Pulmonary fibrosis - 100 correct answer as-D, Pulmonary fibrosis is an
example of a restrictive lung disorder. Restrictive disorders are characterized by
decreased volumes and capacities and normal flow studies on pulmonary function tests.
Obstructive disorders are characterized by increased volumes and capacities due to air
trapping and by decreased flow studies. When given a question on the exam where
there are three obstructive disease selections and one restrictive disorder, you should
select the one disorder not common to the other three. In other words, from these
pulmonary function values you would not be able to determine emphysema from chronic
bronchitis or cystic fibrosis (all obstructive disorders); therefore the answer must be the
restrictive disorder.
you are asked to deliver a low percentage of O2 to a patient whose respiratory rate is
30/min with an irregular breathing pattern. Which device would be the best choice?
, A. Nasal cannula at 2 L/min
B. Air-entrainment mask at 28%
C. Simple O2 mask at 5 L/min
D. Partial rebreathing mask at 8 L/min - 100 correct answer as-B, This question
appears to not give adequate information to answer the question. However, the idea is
that a low-flow O2device should not be set up for a patient who has an irregular
breathing pattern or a respiratory rate of more than 25/min because of inconsistent
O2concentrations. A high-flow device (air-entrainment mask) is indicated in this
situation because more consistent O2concentrations are delivered, regardless of the
patient's ventilatory pattern.
Which of the following ABG results would be considered normal in a patient with severe
COPD?
A. pH 7.50, PCO2 40 torr, PO2 56 torr, HCO330 mEq/L, BE 4
B. pH 7.29, PCO2 54 torr, PO2 70 torr, HCO323 mEq/L, BE 0
C. pH 7.36, PCO2 40 torr, PO2 85 torr, HCO324 mEq/L, BE 1
D. pH 7.38, PCO2 60 torr, PO2 57 torr, HCO333 mEq/L, BE 10 - 100 correct
answer as-D, Refer to the explanation for question 13
The respiratory therapist is called to the bedside of a patient who is receiving volume-
controlled ventilation. Upon entering the room you notice the high-pressure limit is
alarming with every breath and the low-volume alarm is activated. The nurse informs
you that the patient had a pulmonary artery catheter inserted in the right subclavian vein
34 minutes prior. Upon assessment the therapist notes unilateral expansion and
diminished breath sounds in the right upper
lobe. There is no tracheal deviation present. Heart rate is 102/min, RR 20/min, and BP
120/64. What is the most appropriate recommendation at this time?
A)CXR and possible chest tube insertion
B)Emergency needle decompression
C)Monitor the patient for improvement in condition for the next 30 minutes.
D)STAT ABG - 100 correct answer as-. A, This scenario suggests a
pneumothorax has most likely occurred during the insertion of the subclavian line. Since
the question states there is no tracheal deviation, which would indicate a tension
pneumothorax corrected with needle decompression, getting a CXR and possible chest
tube insertion is the best choice.
how do you treat tension pneumothorax ? - 100 correct answer as-needle
decompression
A patient with a peak inspiratory flow of 40 L/min is to be given O2 with a 30% air-
entrainment mask. What is the minimum O2 flow required to meet the patient's
inspiratory flow demands?
A. 3 L/min
B. 5 L/min
C. 8 L/min
