Preparing for the CRT (Certified Respiratory Therapist) exam? Procedures is one of the areas our deck drills hardest: 220 of its 1040 flashcards focus on procedures, covering topics like ICP, IBW, Incentive Spirometry. Try the sample questions below — every card is a real question-and-answer pair from the full deck.
220
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1040
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An RT notices a large air bubble in an ABG sample from a patient on room air. The sample sat for 5 minutes before analysis. How will the PCO2 and PO2 values be affected?
Show answer →Air bubbles cause equilibration between the sample and room air (PO2 ~150 mmHg, PCO2 ~0 mmHg). Results: PCO2 decreases; PO2 increases (if the patient's actual PO2 is <150) or decreases (if actual PO2 is >150, such as on supplemental O2). pH increases slightly due to the PCO2 drop. NBRC Tip: Always check if the patient is on room air vs. 100% O2. On 100% O2, an air bubble will LOWER the PO2.
A therapist is monitoring a patient's tracheostomy cuff pressure using a manometer. The pressure is 35 cmH2O. What is the primary risk and the recommended target range?
Show answer →The primary risk is tracheal ischemia and necrosis due to the pressure exceeding capillary perfusion pressure (approx. 30 cmH2O). The target range is 20-30 cmH2O (or 15-22 mmHg). \n\nClinical Reasoning: While the NBRC historically taught 20-25 mmHg, the current standard focuses on 20-30 cmH2O. If a seal cannot be maintained within this range, the tube may be too small or malpositioned. Always use a manometer rather than the pilot balloon feel method.
During HFNC therapy at 60 L/min, the CRT notices significant rainout (condensation) in the delivery circuit. What is the most likely cause and the required action?
Show answer →Cause: Ambient room temperature is significantly lower than the heated circuit, or the heated wire is failing. Action: Ensure the heated wire circuit is powered, check the probe placement, and use a circuit sleeve. NBRC Troubleshooting: Condensation can lead to aspiration of water or flow occlusion; NEVER drain condensate back into the humidifier reservoir.
A 24-year-old trauma patient with an undrained pneumothorax and an intracranial pressure (ICP) of 24 mmHg is ordered OPEP for atelectasis. What is the most appropriate RT action?
Show answer →Immediately withhold the therapy and notify the physician that the treatment is contraindicated. \n\nRationale: Absolute contraindications for PEP/OPEP include an untreated/undrained tension pneumothorax and elevated ICP (> 20 mmHg). PEP increases intrathoracic pressure\, which can impede venous return from the head (further increasing ICP) and worsen an existing pneumothorax. \n\nExam Strategy: NBRC often tests Safety First. Always prioritize contraindications over therapeutic benefits. Other relative contraindications include recent facial/skull surgery\, active hemoptysis\, and nausea.
A 70kg male (IBW) is receiving IPPB. What is the minimum delivered tidal volume required to justify the continuation of this therapy over Incentive Spirometry?
Show answer →The volume must be at least 10-15 mL/kg of IBW. For a 70kg patient, the target is 700-1050 mL. If IPPB cannot achieve a volume significantly higher than the patient's spontaneous IC or if the patient can perform IS effectively, IPPB should be discontinued. NBRC focus: IPPB must be better than the cheaper, simpler IS to be clinically indicated.
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The full CRT deck contains 1040 flashcards, and 220 of them focus on procedures. This page shows 5 free samples.
Our CRT deck dedicates 220 of 1040 cards (21%) to procedures — 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.