Preparing for the CRT (Certified Respiratory Therapist) exam? Pathology is one of the areas our deck drills hardest: 80 of its 1040 flashcards focus on pathology. Try the sample questions below — every card is a real question-and-answer pair from the full deck.
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A 28-year-old patient presents with sudden palpitations, HR 190 bpm, regular rhythm, and narrow QRS complexes. P waves are not visible. What is the most likely rhythm and the initial recommended non-pharmacological treatment?
Show answer →Supraventricular Tachycardia (SVT). SVT is characterized by a regular, narrow-complex tachycardia (rate >150 bpm) where P waves are buried in the preceding T waves. Initial treatment for a stable patient involves Vagal Maneuvers (e.g., Valsalva maneuver or carotid sinus massage). NBRC Exam Tip: If the patient is hemodynamically unstable (hypotension, chest pain, altered mental status), the primary treatment is Synchronized Cardioversion, not maneuvers or meds. Distinguish SVT from Sinus Tachycardia by looking for a clear cause; SVT often has a sudden onset and lacks P-wave clarity.
A patient becomes unresponsive, and the bedside monitor shows a chaotic, wavy baseline with no identifiable P waves or QRS complexes. What is the rhythm and the immediate priority?
Show answer →Rhythm: Ventricular Fibrillation (V-Fib). Priority: Immediate Defibrillation (Unsynchronized shock). Rationale: V-Fib is a non-perfusing lethal rhythm. The heart is quivering rather than contracting. Exam Strategy: For the CRT exam, follow the sequence: 1. Confirm pulselessness, 2. Call for help, 3. Start CPR, 4. Defibrillate as soon as the device is available. Do not delay defibrillation to give drugs or intubate. Defibrillation is the only effective treatment for V-Fib.
While monitoring a patient with a chest tube connected to a three-chamber suction drainage system, you observe continuous bubbling in the water-seal chamber. What does this indicate and what is the first troubleshooting step?
Show answer →Continuous bubbling indicates a persistent air leak (from the patient's lung or the system). Step 1: Clamp the tube briefly near the insertion site. If bubbling stops, the leak is from the pleural space (e.g., bronchopleural fistula). If it continues, the leak is in the tubing or drainage unit. NBRC Tip: Intermittent bubbling during expiration or coughing is normal as air leaves the pleura.
During mechanical ventilation of a COPD patient, the RT notes a bird beak appearance on the pressure-volume loop. What does this indicate and what is the risk?
Show answer →The bird beak indicates alveolar overdistention. This occurs when the lungs reach their elastic limit, and additional pressure does not result in significant volume gain. Risk: Barotrauma (pneumothorax) and decreased venous return/cardiac output. In COPD, this is often due to high Tidal Volumes or air trapping. Exam Strategy: The RT should decrease the Tidal Volume or inspiratory pressure. NBRC emphasizes Lung Protective Strategies even in obstructive patients.
A patient presents with dyspnea. BNP level is 900 pg/mL. What does this value suggest, and what is the physiological trigger for its release?
Show answer →A BNP > 500 pg/mL is highly suggestive of heart failure. BNP (B-type Natriuretic Peptide) is secreted by the ventricles in response to excessive stretching (increased wall tension/pressure). It acts as a natural vasodilator and diuretic. NBRC Distractor: Do not confuse BNP with BUN (renal function).
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Try 30 free CRT cards firstThe full CRT deck contains 1040 flashcards, and 80 of them focus on pathology. This page shows 5 free samples.
Our CRT deck dedicates 80 of 1040 cards (8%) to pathology — 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
Pharmacology
90 cards
Procedures
220 cards
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