Think you are ready for the CRT (Certified Respiratory Therapist) exam? Our deck rates 515 of its 1040 flashcards as hard — testing concepts like PE, Pulmonary Embolism, VAP, Associated Pneumonia. Try the free samples below; if they feel comfortable, you are in good shape.
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A patient with a BMI of 36, neck circumference of 18 inches, and frequent daytime sleepiness is being evaluated. Which screening tool is most appropriate for the RT to use in the initial history, and what specific score indicates high risk?
Show answer →The STOP-BANG questionnaire is the gold standard for OSA screening. Components: Snoring, Tiredness, Observed apnea, Pressure (BP), BMI (>35), Age (>50), Neck (>16in/40cm), Gender (Male). A score of 5-8 indicates high risk for OSA. NBRC Exam Tip: Recognize that Neck circumference and BMI are disproportionately weighted in clinical suspicion. High-risk patients require a referral for a Polysomnogram (PSG).
A 55-year-old patient presents with a persistent, non-productive cough but has no history of smoking, wheezing, or fever. They recently started medication for hypertension. Which medication class is the most likely cause, and why?
Show answer →ACE Inhibitors (e.g., Lisinopril) are a common cause of drug-induced dry cough due to the accumulation of bradykinin in the upper airways. Exam Strategy: When a patient presents with a new cough and no signs of infection or obstruction, always check the medication history for prils. Distractor: Beta-blockers typically cause bronchospasm/wheezing in asthmatics, not a dry, hacking cough. Identifying this avoids unnecessary diagnostic testing.
A 60-year-old male with a history of sandblasting and glass manufacturing presents with progressive dyspnea and eggshell calcifications on a chest X-ray. What specific occupational lung disease is most likely?
Show answer →Silicosis. This is a restrictive lung disease caused by inhaling silica dust. Key NBRC markers: Occupational history (sandblasting, mining, masonry) and the classic eggshell calcification of hilar lymph nodes. Clinical Pearl: Silicosis significantly increases the risk of developing Tuberculosis (TB), so a history of silica exposure should prompt the RT to monitor for signs of TB (night sweats, hemoptysis, and weight loss).
A post-operative hip surgery patient suddenly develops pleuritic chest pain and tachypnea. Which three specific risk factors in the patient's history would most strongly increase the clinical suspicion for a Pulmonary Embolism (PE)?
Show answer →1. Recent major surgery/immobility (Virchow's Triad: stasis), 2. History of Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) or prior PE, 3. Hypercoagulable states (e.g., malignancy, oral contraceptives). Exam Strategy: NBRC often presents sudden onset dyspnea in a post-op or long-travel patient. While the history suggests PE, the definitive diagnosis requires a CT Pulmonary Angiogram or V/Q scan, but the RT must first recognize the historical risk factors to trigger the workup.
An intubated patient has been on mechanical ventilation for 72 hours. Which historical and assessment factors increase the risk for Ventilator-Associated Pneumonia (VAP), and which modifiable risk factor is often tested?
Show answer →Risk factors: Duration of ventilation >48 hours, advanced age, depressed LOC, and prior antibiotic use. The most frequently tested modifiable risk factor is the Head of Bed (HOB) position. HOB should be maintained at 30-45 degrees to prevent micro-aspiration of gastric contents. NBRC Focus: VAP prevention bundles also include daily sedation vacations, subglottic suctioning (CASS tubes), and oral care with chlorhexidine. History of supine positioning is a major VAP trigger.
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1,040 CRT question-and-answer cards across 10 topics, written for this exam. Refund policy.
515 of the 1040 flashcards in the CRT deck carry a "hard" difficulty rating. 5 free samples are on this page.
Difficulty ratings describe our deck, not the official exam. Practicing above test level builds a margin of safety — check the official NBRC materials for representative difficulty.
Assessment
110 cards
Basics
70 cards
Blood Gas Qc
10 cards
Diagnostics
210 cards
Emergency
20 cards
Management
140 cards
Monitoring
90 cards
Pathology
80 cards
Pharmacology
90 cards
Procedures
220 cards
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