A respiratory therapist observes that the peak inspiratory pressure of an intubated patient has increased from 24 – 35 cmH2O, exhibits wheezes bilaterally and the pressure limit alarm is intermittently activating. The therapist notes the Pplat and PEEP have not changed. The therapist should:

A 52-year-old man is admitted to the hospital emergency department with a primary complaint of severe radiating chest pain and signs of central cyanosis. The attending asks for your advice on selecting a device that provides a moderate FIO2 for this patient. Which of the following would you recommend?

Ipratropium bromide (Atrovent) is indicated for maintenance treatment of the following diseases, except:

Gas leaving an unheated humidifier at 10° C (50 F) and 100% relative humidity (absolute humidity = 9.4 mg/L) would provide what relative humidity at body temperature?

Which of the following are necessary features to look for in selecting a heated humidifier?1. water level readily visible2. over-temperature protection3. auditory and visual alarms4. minimal temperature overshoot

A surgical resident has asked that you assist in an elective tracheotomy procedure on an orally intubated patient. Which of the following would be an appropriate action?

When a patient’s chart is reviewed, it is important to look for contraindications to CPT. They would include all of the following EXCEPT:  

You are the respiratory therapist assigned to a 300 bed hospital NICU and are called to the bedside of a 32-week gestational age newborn boy who was placed on pressure-limited mechanical ventilation and given surfactant therapy 2 hours ago. He is exhibiting hypocapnea and his tidal volumes are higher than were previously documented. What may be the cause of this finding?

In theory, how does positive pressure (PEP) help to move secretions into the larger airways? I. filling underaerated segments through collateral ventilation II. preventing airway collapse during expiration III. causing bronchodilation during inspiration

Which of the following is NOT an advantage for the treatment of the respiratory tract with inhaled aerosols?