Want to test your pharmacology knowledge before the RRT exam? Below are free sample flashcards from the 80-card pharmacology section of our 1040-card RRT (Registered Respiratory Therapist) deck, which covers BID, NebuPent, Delirium and more.
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A 65-year-old COPD patient presents with acute dyspnea and wheezing. HR is 105 bpm. What is the NBRC-recommended first-line pharmacological intervention for immediate relief?
Show answer →The gold standard for acute COPD exacerbation is the combination of a SABA (Albuterol) and a SAMA (Ipratropium Bromide), often delivered via SVN as DuoNeb or MDI as Combivent. Rationale: SABAs provide rapid bronchodilation via B2 stimulation, while SAMAs block cholinergic-induced bronchoconstriction. Synergy is proven to improve FEV1 more than either agent alone in COPD. Exam Tip: NBRC often asks for the most effective combo; for COPD, think Albuterol + Atrovent. For asthma, SABA is the primary rescue, with SAMA added for severe cases.
A physician asks for a LAMA recommendation that offers a twice-daily (BID) dosing schedule via a DPI for a patient who finds 24-hour dosing wears off too early. Which agent fits this profile?
Show answer →Aclidinium (Tudorza Pressair) is a LAMA administered BID. Most other common LAMAs (Tiotropium, Umeclidinium) are once-daily. Clinical Pearl: The Tudorza Pressair device features a color-coded window that changes from green to red to confirm a successful dose was delivered at the correct inspiratory flow. NBRC often tests specific device features and dosing frequencies to differentiate between similar drugs in a class.
An RRT is preparing to administer Pentamidine isethionate (NebuPent) to a patient with HIV and PCP. What specific equipment and environmental precautions are required by the NBRC?
Show answer →A Respirgard II nebulizer (equipped with one-way valves and an expiratory filter) is required to prevent environmental contamination. Precautions include a negative pressure room, HEPA filtration, and appropriate PPE. This prevents the therapist from inhaling the drug, which can cause skin rashes, conjunctivitis, or bronchospasm. NBRC Focus: The expiratory filter is the most commonly tested component for Pentamidine safety. Monitor the patient for cough and bronchospasm during delivery.
Which pharmacological class is most strongly associated with the development of ICU Psychosis (Delirium), and what screening tool does the NBRC emphasize for assessment?
Show answer →Benzodiazepines (e.g., Midazolam, Lorazepam). The NBRC emphasizes the CAM-ICU (Confusion Assessment Method for the ICU) for delirium screening. Strategy: To reduce delirium risk, follow the ABCDEF bundle, prioritizing non-benzodiazepine sedatives (Propofol or Dexmedetomidine) and performing daily Spontaneous Awakening Trials (SATs).
A patient with severe anaphylaxis is intubated for airway edema. Despite IV fluids, the patient is hypotensive. Which medication provides the necessary combination of alpha-1, beta-1, and beta-2 stimulation to treat this condition?
Show answer →Epinephrine (Adrenaline). Rationale: 1. Alpha-1: Increases SVR to treat hypotension and reduces mucosal edema. 2. Beta-1: Increases CO. 3. Beta-2: Promotes bronchodilation to counter bronchospasm. NBRC Tip: Understand the dosing differences. Low-dose Epi (<0.05 mcg/kg/min) is primarily Beta-adrenergic, while higher doses are predominantly Alpha-adrenergic. In ACLS, remember the standard 1mg (1:10,000) IV dose every 3-5 minutes for cardiac arrest.
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Try 30 free RRT cards firstThe full RRT deck contains 1040 flashcards, and 80 of them focus on pharmacology. This page shows 5 free samples.
Our RRT deck dedicates 80 of 1040 cards (8%) to pharmacology — always cross-check the official NBRC exam outline for the current blueprint weighting.
Yes — the samples on this page are free, and the RRT preview page has 30 more free cards. Full access to all 1040 cards is a one-time $7.
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