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Respiratory Therapy · High-yield review

RRT — High-Yield Review

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On this page 2 sections
  1. In 30 seconds
  2. The college version

In 30 seconds

A condensed, exam-focused review of all 19 topics. Use after working through the topic files.

The college version

Highest-Yield Facts

  • High yield: ABG interpretation: identify primary disorder (respiratory vs metabolic) from pH/PaCO2/HCO3, then compensation.
  • High yield: Oxygen devices: low-flow (nasal cannula, simple mask, partial/non-rebreather) vs high-flow (Venturi/air-entrainment, HFNC) — low-flow delivers variable FiO2.
  • High yield: Obstructive = FEV1/FVC < 0.7 (asthma, COPD); restrictive = ↓ both (fibrosis, neuromuscular).
  • High yield: Bronchodilator reversibility = ≥12% AND 200 mL improvement in FEV1.
  • High yield: Ventilator modes: volume control (guaranteed Vt) vs pressure control (guaranteed pressure); SIMV vs A/C; PRVC = dual control.
  • High yield: Tidal volume by ideal body weight: 6–8 mL/kg normal, 4–6 mL/kg ARDS (lung-protective).
  • High yield: Auto-PEEP (intrinsic PEEP) from incomplete exhalation; seen as failure of flow to return to zero before next breath.
  • High yield: Weaning readiness: RSBI (f/Vt) < 105, MIP < −20 cmH2O, VC > 10 mL/kg.
  • High yield: Cuff pressure 20–30 cmH2O; ET tube placement confirmed by capnography + auscultation + CXR.
  • High yield: VAP bundle: HOB 30–45°, oral care, sedation vacation, subglottic suctioning.
  • High yield: RACE (fire) = Rescue, Alarm, Confine, Extinguish.
  • High yield: SABA (albuterol) = rescue; LABA + ICS = maintenance; ipratropium = SAMA.

Comparison Tables

Do not confuseWithDifference
Low-flow O2High-flow O2Variable vs fixed FiO2
ObstructiveRestrictiveFEV1/FVC low vs both low
Respiratory acidosisMetabolic acidosis↑PaCO2 vs ↓HCO3
Volume controlPressure controlSet volume vs set pressure
A/CSIMVAll breaths vs set-rate breaths supported
CPAPBiPAPOne pressure vs IPAP+EPAP
DefibrillationCardioversionUnsynchronized (VF/pulseless VT) vs synchronized
DNRDNINo CPR vs no intubation
TMCCSEMultiple-choice vs clinical simulation

Cumulative Self-Check (20 questions)

  1. Which ABG pattern indicates uncompensated respiratory acidosis?
  2. Name two high-flow oxygen devices.
  3. What spirometry pattern is seen in asthma?
  4. Define bronchodilator reversibility.
  5. What is the lung-protective tidal volume target for ARDS?
  6. What is intrinsic (auto-) PEEP?
  7. State three weaning-readiness criteria.
  8. What is the target endotracheal cuff pressure range?
  9. Name four components of the VAP bundle.
  10. What does RACE stand for?
  11. Name a SABA and a LABA.
  12. Differentiate volume control from pressure control ventilation.
  13. What does the MIP measure?
  14. Which device delivers a fixed (precise) FiO2?
  15. What does CPAP provide that a simple mask does not?
  16. When is cardioversion (not defibrillation) indicated?
  17. What does a V/Q scan evaluate?
  18. What is the difference between IPAP and EPAP?
  19. Name the five components of NAVEL.
  20. What does the rapid shallow breathing index (RSBI) measure?

Answers and Rationales

  1. ↓pH with ↑PaCO2 and normal (uncompensated) HCO3.
  2. Venturi (air-entrainment) mask and high-flow nasal cannula.
  3. Obstructive (↓FEV1/FVC).
  4. ≥12% AND 200 mL improvement in FEV1 after bronchodilator.
  5. 4–6 mL/kg ideal body weight.
  6. Incomplete exhalation trapping air (positive alveolar pressure at end-expiration).
  7. RSBI < 105, MIP < −20 cmH2O, VC > 10 mL/kg.
  8. 20–30 cmH2O.
  9. HOB elevation, chlorhexidine oral care, sedation vacation, subglottic suctioning.
  10. Rescue, Alarm, Confine, Extinguish.
  11. SABA = albuterol; LABA = salmeterol or formoterol.
  12. Volume control sets tidal volume; pressure control sets inspiratory pressure.
  13. Maximum inspiratory pressure (respiratory muscle strength).
  14. Venturi (air-entrainment) mask.
  15. Continuous positive airway pressure (splints airways, fixed baseline pressure).
  16. Synchronized cardioversion for organized tachyarrhythmias with a pulse.
  17. Ventilation-perfusion (mismatch; PE evaluation).
  18. IPAP = inspiratory support (ventilation); EPAP = expiratory pressure (oxygenation/splinting).
  19. Naloxone, Atropine, Vasopressin/diazepam, Epinephrine, Lidocaine.
  20. Respiratory rate / tidal volume (f/Vt) — a weaning-readiness index.

Last-Minute Review

  • Assessment: ABGs, breathing patterns, auscultation, PFT, imaging, ECG, hemodynamics.
  • Equipment: oxygen devices, artificial airways, ventilators, humidification, alarms, chest tubes.
  • Infection: standard/transmission precautions, disinfection/sterilization, VAP bundle.
  • Therapy: pharmacology, ventilation modes/settings/graphics, NIV, bronchial hygiene.
  • Emergencies: CPR, defibrillation vs cardioversion, transport.
  • Exam strategy: assess → gather → evaluate → decide; scope boundaries.

Related

  • Subject overview
  • Topic 03 — Laboratory Data, Blood Gases, and Clinical Data Interpretation
  • Topic 15 — Mechanical Ventilation Modes, Settings, Monitoring, and Graphics
  • Topic 19 — TMC Clinical Reasoning, CSE Decision-Making, and Exam Strategy

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Practice Respiratory Therapy

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