A respiratory therapist is assisting a patient who has an SpO2 of 85% while receiving oxygen by nonrebreather mask at 12 L/min flow. Laboratory results show a WBC of 10,000 cu mm and an Hb of 8.1 g/dL. The patient has a DNI order and an advanced directive that indicates no blood administration. Which of the following can be done to maximize arterial oxygenation?

A 48-year-old patient with an extensive smoking history usually coughs out about 20 mL of sputum every day. The patient developed a “chest cold” 4 days ago and has noticed increased shortness of breath and thicker secretions. What should be done at this time?

Factors that may affect a pulse oximeters’ accuracy include:

A 28-year-old male is brought to the emergency department (ED) as a victim of a stabbing from a gang confrontation. As the patient arrives in the ED, the first responders report that the patient has had a sudden onset of tachypnea. The respiratory therapist notices absent breath sounds on the left side. What additional evaluation should the therapist immediately perform?

While transporting an orally intubated, mechanically ventilated patient to the cardiac catheterization lab, the respiratory therapist notices the security device on the ET tube has become disconnected. To quickly evaluate for proper positioning of the ET tube, the therapist should

Normal temperature for an adult is

Fine crackles are auscultated at the bases of both lung fields. This is most consistent with the presence of

A respiratory therapist notices that two people in the Emergency Department waiting room are coughing regularly. Which of the following should be done? I. Have the two coughing people sit beside each other II. Have each person wear a face mask while waiting III. Give facial tissues to the two people IV. Have both people sit at least 3 feet away from anyone else

Which of the following cleaning methods or solutions does not have the capability of sterilizing equipment? I. Autoclave II. Pasteurization III. Glutaraldehyde IV. Acetic acid

According to the AARC Evidenced-Based Clinical Practice Guidelines, ventilator circuits should be changed at what frequency to help prevent ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP)?