Respiratory Care Mega Cheat Sheet

A set of 50 practice flashcards covering key concepts and details from respiratory care.

What are the types of hypoxia?

Hypoxic, Anemic, Circulatory, Histotoxic.

What are the hypoxemia levels for mild, moderate, and severe cases?

Mild (60–79), Moderate (40–59), Severe (<40).

What is the difference between oxygenation and ventilation?

Oxygenation refers to PaO2/SpO2, while ventilation refers to PaCO2.

What is the flow rate and oxygen percentage for a nasal cannula?

1–6 L/min (24–44%).

What is the flow rate and oxygen percentage for a simple mask?

6–10 L/min (35–55%).

What is the flow rate and oxygen percentage for a partial rebreather mask?

6–10 L/min (40–70%).

What is the flow rate and oxygen percentage for a non-rebreather mask (NRB)?

10–15 L/min (60–80%+).

What is the oxygen percentage delivered by a Venturi mask?

24–50% precise.

What is the function of a Trach collar or T-piece?

Delivers 21–100% oxygen.

What is the oxygen percentage range for a face tent?

21–40%.

What is the difference in effects of cool aerosol and heated aerosol?

Cool aerosol can cause swelling; heated can lead to thick secretions.

What is the maximum flow for High-Flow Nasal Cannula (HFNC)?

Up to 60 L/min (21–100%).

What color is the oxygen tank?

Green.

What color is the air tank?

Yellow.

What color is the Heliox tank?

Brown/green.

What color is the carbon dioxide (CO2) tank?

Grey.

What color is the nitric oxide (NO) tank?

Teal/black.

How to calculate the duration of a gas tank?

(PSI-500) × factor ÷ flow.

How do you clear debris from a tank valve?

Crack the tank.

What are the mixtures of Heliox used?

80/20 or 70/30.

What is the indication for Nitric Oxide (NO) use?

Pulmonary hypertension.

What is a hazard of Nitric Oxide?

Methemoglobin.

What medication is referred to as Dornase alfa?

Pulmozyme.

What does SPAG neb refer to in respiratory care?

Ribavirin.

What does a low pH indicate?

Acidosis.

What does a high pH indicate?

Alkalosis.

In ABG interpretation, which component is opposite to pH?

CO2.

Which component has the same direction as pH in metabolic disorders?

HCO3.

What are the types of compensation in ABG interpretation?

None, partial, full.

What can indicate a mixed disorder in ABG readings?

Both components push pH in the same direction.

What are some indications for aerosol and bronchodilator therapy?

Bronchospasm, secretions.

What are the hazards of aerosol therapy?

Bronchospasm, infection.

What improvements indicate successful bronchodilator therapy?

Decreased wheeze/WOB, increased peak flow.

When should SVN be stopped during therapy?

If heart rate increases by >20%.

What technique is recommended for Meter-Dose Inhalers (MDI)?

Slow deep breath.

What technique is used with Dry Powder Inhalers (DPI)?

Fast strong breath.

What does a spacer improve?

Deposition of medication.

What are the indications for using incentive spirometry?

Prevent/treat atelectasis.

What should be taught to patients about using incentive spirometry?

Take a slow deep breath and hold for 5–10 seconds.

What are the types of atelectasis?

Resorption, compression, micro, cicatricial.

What improvements indicate effective incentive spirometry?

Increased SpO2, breath sounds, volumes.

What types of breath sounds are assessed in respiratory care?

Vesicular, bronchial, wheeze, crackles, rhonchi, stridor, rub.

What does dull percussion note indicate?

Fluid.

What does hyperresonant percussion note indicate?

Air.

What are normal vital signs for heart rate (HR)?

60–100 beats per minute.

What are normal respiratory rates (RR)?

12–20 breaths per minute.

What is the minimum SpO2 level to indicate adequate oxygenation?

≥92%.

What are signs of respiratory distress?

Orthopnea, cyanosis, pulsus paradoxus, increased A-P diameter.

What is Kussmaul breathing?

A type of rapid, deep, and labored breathing.

What is Cheyne-Stokes respiration?

A pattern of breathing characterized by cycles of apnea and hyperventilation.

What color does air appear on a radiograph?

Black.

What color does bone appear on a radiograph?

White.

What color does fluid appear on a radiograph?

Gray.

What does air bronchograms indicate in radiology?

Consolidation.

How does atelectasis affect lung shifts in a radiograph?

Shifts toward the affected side.

How do pneumothorax or effusion affect lung shifts in a radiograph?

Shifts away from the affected side.

What are the indications for Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) usage?

CHF, OSA, hypoxemia.

What are contraindications for CPAP?

Trauma, vomiting, pneumothorax.

What alarms could indicate issues during CPAP usage?

Low pressure = leak; high pressure = obstruction.

What is the body humidity measure at normal conditions?

44 mg/L.

What is the humidity deficit formula?

44 - delivered.

What effects do cool and heated humidity have?

Cool can cause swelling; heated can lead to secretions.