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A patient involved in a motor vehicle crash presents with respiratory distress.  A chest radiograph confirms the presence of multiple fractures to five adjacent ribs on the left side.  Which of the following physical findings should be expected during assessment of the chest?

A respiratory therapist observes the following data while monitoring mechanical ventilation:   8:00 AM       9:00 AM       10:00 AM   Peak Pressure (cm H2O)35 4043Plateau Pressure (cm H2O)3028 24 Set PEEP was constant.  Which of the following is present?

A patient is intubated after a motor vehicle crash.  A respiratory therapist palpates asymmetrical chest movement during inspiration, but no crepitus.  Breath sounds are diminished on the left.  Which of the following should the therapist do FIRST?

A patient with a history of chronic bronchitis complains of shortness of breath following thoracic surgery.  The patient is receiving 30% O2 by aerosol mask.  Rhonchi in the right lower lobe are heard on auscultation.  Which of the following should a respiratory therapist recommend?

Chest physiotherapy is initiated for a patient who is alert and oriented.  As therapy progresses, a respiratory therapist notices the patient is no longer responsive to verbal stimuli.  The therapist checks the patient’s pulse and finds that the heart rate is 30.  The patient has a respiratory rate of 6.  Which of the following should the therapist do NEXT?

When administering dornase alfa (Pulmozyme) with a hand-held nebulizer, a respiratory therapist notes a patient is developing marked congestion with copious sputum production.  The therapist’s most appropriate action is to pause the treatment and

A 25-year-old patient with apnea is receiving PC ventilation.  Arterial blood gas results are as follows: . pH 7.20 PaCO2  65 torr PaO2  70 torr HCO3- 25 mEq/L BE -4 mEq/L A respiratory therapist should recommend increasing the

A 34-week gestational age infant has been stable while receiving mechanical ventilation.  Oxygen saturation decreases to 85% and does not respond to an increased FIO2. Transillumination of the chest produces a 1-cm halo that extends around the point of contact with the skin.  Which of the following should a respiratory therapist recommend?

A new blood gas analyzer is calibrated by the manufacturer at sea level.  On receiving the analyzer at a higher altitude, a respiratory therapist should

The information below was obtained from a pulmonary function report for a 40-year-old male who weighs 73 kg (161 lb) and is 177 cm (5 ft 9 in) tall:FEV1           2.16 L (53% of predicted)FVC             2.50 L (55% of predicted)FEV1/FVC     90%DLCO         51% of predictedThere is no response to bronchodilator therapy.  Which of the following should a respiratory therapist recommend NEXT?