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Data below were obtained while an adult patient was receiving VC ventilation with an FIO2 of 0.50:                                           1300             1315          1330           1345PEEP (cm H2O)                      5               10                15              20BP (mm Hg)                       140/90        130/90       120/80      110/80SpO2 (%)                                75              90               94               95Static compliance                   20               40               60               55(mL/cm H2O)  Which of the following levels of PEEP should a respiratory therapist choose?

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