10 exam-style questions with answers and explanations, straight from our 1,030-question bank. Tap an answer to check yourself. When you're ready, take the scored version in the free practice test.
The CRT exam has 160 questions and runs 3 hours.
These 10 free CRT questions are organized by exam domain, so you can see how each part of the Certified Respiratory Therapist blueprint is tested. Reveal the answer and explanation under each question.
Complete pulmonary function testing for exertional dyspnea produces acceptable, repeatable results: FEV1/FVC 0.52 (lower limit of normal 0.68), FVC 64% predicted, TLC 104% predicted (within the reference range), and RV/TLC above the upper limit of normal. How should these findings be classified?
Correct answer: D - Obstructive impairment with air trapping
During the first hours of septic shock, a previously healthy adult develops marked tachypnea. The arterial blood gas shows pH 7.40, PaCO2 20 mm Hg, and HCO3− 12 mEq/L. The acid-base interpretation that accounts for all three values is:
Correct answer: A - Metabolic acidosis with respiratory alkalosis
A chest radiograph obtained after abdominal surgery shows new near-complete opacification of the right hemithorax. The trachea and mediastinum are displaced to the right rather than away from the opacity. Which process best explains the radiograph?
Correct answer: A - Right lung atelectasis
An adult with anemia has a hemoglobin concentration of 7.5 g/dL, PaO2 of 100 mm Hg, and measured SaO2 of 98%. Which estimate and interpretation of arterial oxygen content is most accurate?
Correct answer: D - About 10.1 mL O2/dL; anemia lowers content despite normal PaO2 and SaO2
High-pressure alarms develop in an intubated patient. A suction catheter passes freely and removes little secretion. Manual ventilation is difficult when the resuscitation bag is connected through the heat-and-moisture exchanger, but becomes easy when the bag is attached directly to the endotracheal tube. With manual ventilation maintaining oxygenation, the therapist should:
Correct answer: D - Replace the obstructed heat-and-moisture exchanger
An induced sputum specimen is ordered for an adult with several weeks of cough, weight loss, night sweats, and an upper-lobe cavity. Pulmonary tuberculosis is suspected. Which room and respiratory protection are appropriate for the therapist during collection?
Correct answer: A - Negative-pressure isolation room and a fit-tested N95 respirator
A 68-year-old with a COPD exacerbation remains tachypneic at 32/min after bronchodilators and controlled oxygen. On FIO2 0.28, arterial results are pH 7.28, PaCO2 68 mm Hg, and PaO2 62 mm Hg. The patient is alert, cooperative, clearing secretions, and has a blood pressure of 136/78 mm Hg. Which form of respiratory support should be started?
Correct answer: B - Bilevel noninvasive ventilation with close reassessment
A 3-year-old sitting quietly on a parent's lap has a barking cough, hoarse voice, inspiratory stridor at rest, and suprasternal retractions. SpO2 is 94% on room air. The child is alert, swallows normally, and has no drooling. The initial treatment should combine:
Correct answer: C - Systemic dexamethasone and nebulized epinephrine
An adult with ARDS weighs 110 kg and has a predicted body weight of 60 kg. Volume-control settings are tidal volume 480 mL, PEEP 10 cm H2O, and inspiratory flow 60 L/min. A passive inspiratory hold gives a plateau pressure of 34 cm H2O. Arterial pH is 7.34, with oxygenation in the prescribed target range. Which adjustment best advances lung-protective ventilation?
Correct answer: B - Reduce tidal volume from 480 to 360 mL
Forty-five minutes into a T-piece spontaneous breathing trial, a 42-year-old recovering from pneumonia has a respiratory rate of 24/min, SpO2 95% on unchanged FIO2 0.35, and a heart rate of 92/min compared with 86/min before the trial. Blood pressure is stable. The patient is comfortable, follows commands, coughs strongly, and has scant secretions. Intubation was uncomplicated, with no concern for upper-airway edema. What is the appropriate recommendation?
Correct answer: C - Extubate to a nasal cannula with postextubation monitoring
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