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While ocean acidification is reducing the pH of the world’s oceans by approximately 0.05 pH units/year, this rate of change is insignificant.

A patient is receiving 2 L/min of oxygen by nasal cannula. Arterial blood gases show: pH 7.36, PaCO₂ 45 mmHg, PaO₂ 85 mmHg, HCO₃⁻ 38 mEq/L. Which interpretation best explains these results?

Gases and particulates represent the major forms of air contaminants. 

A chronic COPD patient is showing signs of dyspnea breathing room air. Patient’s pulse rate is 115 bpm, respiratory rate of 32 breaths/min and SpO2 85%. What oxygen device is indicated for this patient?

If the patient is being ventilated via a mechanical ventilator via intermittent mandatory ventilation with partial ventilatory support, what would probably happen to PaCO2 if the patient suddenly had no spontaneous breathing?

A patient requiring ongoing nasotracheal suctioning begins to have mild epistaxis. Which recommendation is most appropriate?

A patient walks in the ER complaining of chest pain. What should be done to R/O for myocardial infarction?   I. Obtain CPK level II. Recommend EKG III. Obtain troponin level IV. Check the BUN

A chest radiograph shows a left-sided meniscus with blunting of the costophrenic angle. Physical examination reveals decreased breath sounds and dull percussion over the left lung. Which intervention should the respiratory therapist recommend?

Which of the following values for arterial carbon dioxide tension is consistent with significant alveolar hyperventilation?

After a patient undergoes a thoracentesis, the respiratory therapist notes that the obtained pleural fluid is bloody. This fluid is most likely the result of: