Want to test your emergency knowledge before the CRT exam? Below are free sample flashcards from the 20-card emergency section of our 1040-card CRT (Certified Respiratory Therapist) deck, which covers PEA, Pulseless Electrical Activity, TTM, Targeted Temperature Management and more.
20
Cards on this topic
1040
Total CRT cards
$7
Full access
During CPR, the capnography monitor shows a PETCO2 of 8 mmHg. What is the most appropriate interpretation and immediate action for the respiratory therapist?
Show answer →A PETCO2 < 10 mmHg indicates poor quality chest compressions or low cardiac output. The RT must alert the team to improve compression depth (at least 2 inches) and allow full chest recoil. If PETCO2 remains low despite high-quality CPR, it may indicate a very poor prognosis. NBRC Strategy: The NBRC emphasizes PETCO2 as the gold standard for monitoring CPR quality and identifying ROSC. Distractor: Do not increase ventilation rate to fix a low CO2 during a code; this increases intrathoracic pressure and decreases coronary perfusion pressure.
A patient presents with Pulseless Electrical Activity (PEA). The RT notes the monitor shows a narrow-complex rhythm at 50 bpm. What are the priority interventions for this non-shockable rhythm?
Show answer →1. Immediate high-quality CPR. 2. Epinephrine 1 mg every 3-5 minutes (given as soon as possible). 3. Identification and treatment of reversible causes (H's and T's). Note: PEA and Asystole are NOT shockable. Defibrillation is contraindicated. NBRC Strategy: RTs must distinguish between shockable (VF/pVT) and non-shockable (PEA/Asystole) rhythms. If you see a rhythm on the screen but no pulse is felt, it is PEA. Focus on the H's and T's, especially Hypoxia and Tension Pneumothorax, which are RT-focused causes.
A post-arrest patient is undergoing Targeted Temperature Management (TTM) at 33°C. If an ABG is drawn but NOT temperature-corrected, how will the results compare to the patient's actual status?
Show answer →Standard ABG machines warm the blood to 37°C. If the patient is hypothermic (33°C), the uncorrected (37°C) results will show a HIGHER PaO2 and HIGHER PaCO2 than the patient's actual values, and a LOWER pH. Rationale: Gas solubility increases as temperature decreases. While the NBRC may not require complex Alpha-stat vs pH-stat calculations, you must know that hypothermia shifts the oxyhemoglobin dissociation curve to the left, making it harder for oxygen to release to the tissues. NBRC Strategy: Remember: Cold blood holds more gas. Heating it in the machine releases it, causing falsely high partial pressures.
A term neonate has been undergoing resuscitation for 5 minutes. The pulse oximeter on the right wrist reads 78%. Based on NRP target pre-ductal oxygen saturation levels, is this value acceptable, and what is the target range at 5 minutes?
Show answer →Yes, the value is acceptable (it is near the lower limit). The target pre-ductal SpO2 at 5 minutes is 80%–85%. Rationale: NRP uses a gradual increase in target SpO2: 1 min: 60-65% 2 min: 65-70% 3 min: 70-75% 4 min: 75-80% 5 min: 80-85% 10 min: 85-95% NBRC Strategy: Always place the probe on the right hand/wrist (pre-ductal). Distractors often provide post-ductal values (left hand/feet) which are lower and inaccurate for cerebral oxygenation.
Despite 60 seconds of coordinated chest compressions and PPV with 100% FiO2, the neonate's heart rate remains 40 bpm. What is the recommended IV dose of Epinephrine (1:10,000), and how often can it be repeated?
Show answer →Dose: 0.01 to 0.03 mg/kg (equivalent to 0.1 to 0.3 mL/kg of 1:10,000 solution). Repeat: Every 3 to 5 minutes if HR remains < 60 bpm. Rationale: IV (via umbilical venous catheter) or IO is the preferred route. Endotracheal (ET) dosing is higher (0.05 to 0.1 mg/kg) but less effective. NBRC Tip: Calculation questions often use 0.1 mL/kg for IV as the standard. If the ET route is used, it is a stop-gap until IV access is established; always follow an ET dose with an IV dose once access is ready.
Keep going
You just saw a few. The full deck covers every CRT topic.
One-time payment · less than 1¢ per card · 30-day money-back guarantee
Try 30 free CRT cards firstThe full CRT deck contains 1040 flashcards, and 20 of them focus on emergency. This page shows 5 free samples.
Our CRT deck dedicates 20 of 1040 cards (2%) to emergency — always cross-check the official NBRC exam outline for the current blueprint weighting.
Yes — the samples on this page are free, and the CRT preview page has 30 more free cards. Full access to all 1040 cards is a one-time $7.
Assessment
110 cards
Basics
70 cards
Diagnostics
210 cards
Management
140 cards
Monitoring
90 cards
Pathology
80 cards
Pharmacology
90 cards
Procedures
220 cards
CRT practice test
20 mixed questions across every topic, with answers — see where you stand →
CRT study guide
Topic weights, difficulty breakdown and a 5-step study plan →
Eligibility rules, fees, question counts and passing standards are set by the certifying body and change over time. Always confirm them at the source before you apply or schedule your exam — our flashcards are practice material, not the official handbook.