TMC Test Bank Practice Flashcards

Compendium of vocabulary, diagnostic standards, formulas, and clinical signs for Respiratory Therapy based on the TMC Test Bank Module 1.

Pneumothorax Assessment Findings

Characterized by dyspnea, hypotension, tracheal shift away from the affected side, absent breath sounds, reduced chest expansion, and a hyperresonant percussion note.

Normal Cuff Pressure Range

The standard range for endotracheal tube cuff pressure is between $20-30\,cmH_2O$.

Bubble Humidifier Whistling Noise

Typically indicates a downstream obstruction in the delivery tube, causing the relief valve to sound.

Reversible Airway Obstruction Criteria

An improvement in $FEV_1$ of at least $12\%$ (or $20\%$ as seen in practice examples) following bronchodilator administration.

Atelectasis Signs

Findings include a dull percussion note, tracheal shift toward the affected side, and absent breath sounds.

Right Mainstem Intubation

Suggested by asymmetrical chest movement and absent breath sounds on the left side immediately following intubation.

NAVEL Mnemonic

Identifies drugs that can be instilled directly down the endotracheal tube: Naloxone, Atropine, Vasopressin, Epinephrine, and Lidocaine.

Kussmaul Breathing

A labored breathing pattern characterized by an increased respiratory rate and depth with an irregular rhythm, usually associated with diabetic ketoacidosis.

Apgar Score Normal Range

A quick evaluation of an infant's condition immediately after birth where a score of $7-10$ is considered normal.

Transillumination

A procedure where light is shone through an infant's chest to inspect for a pneumothorax; a chest that 'lights up' confirms the condition.

Cystic Fibrosis Signs

Clinical findings include poor body development, digital clubbing, hyperresonance to percussion, productive cough, and foul-smelling stools.

Jogular Venous Distention (JVD)

A clinical sign of right heart failure or right ventricular failure.

Flow-Volume Loop Interpretation

Restrictive diseases appear tall and skinny on the loop, while obstructive diseases appear short and wide.

Capillary Blood Gas (CBG) Limitations

CBG values correlate well with arterial $pH$ and $PaCO_2$ but do not correlate well with $PaO_2$ and should not be used to assess oxygenation.

Incentive Spirometry Frequency

To effectively prevent or treat postoperative atelectasis, this therapy should be performed at least $10$ times per hour.

Pink Frothy Secretions

A classic clinical indicator of pulmonary edema, often associated with Congestive Heart Failure (CHF) or left ventricular failure.

Static Compliance Formula

$$\text{Exhaled } V_T / (Pplat - PEEP)$$

Dynamic Compliance Formula

$$\text{Exhaled } V_T / (PIP - PEEP)$$

Normal White Blood Cell (WBC) Count

The standard range is between $5,000-10,000/mm^3$.

FEV1/FVC Ratio

A measurement where a value less than $70\%$ indicates an obstructive lung disease.

Brovana

A long-duration controller-type bronchodilator intended for home use to stabilize patients with chronic bronchospasm.

Croup (Laryngotracheobronchitis)

A disease causing subglottic edema, characterized by a 'steeple sign' on a lateral neck x-ray and inspiratory stridor.

Epiglottitis

A medical emergency causing supraglottic edema (above the glottis), characterized by a 'thumb sign' on a lateral neck x-ray.

Airway Resistance (Raw) Formula

$$Raw = (PIP - PPLAT) / \text{Flow}$$

Normal Serum Potassium ($K^+$)

The typical range is $3.5-4.5\,mEq/L$.

Normal Shunt Percentage

A normal shunt value is $5\%$ or less.

Normal Systemic Vascular Resistance (SVR)

The standard range is $900-1400\,dyn/s/cm^{-5}$.

Normal Cardiac Index (CI)

The standard range is $2.5-4\,L/min/m^2$.

Normal Central Venous Pressure (CVP)

The normal range for an adult is $2-8\,cmH_2O$.

Acetic Acid

Commonly known as vinegar, it is the recommended low-level disinfectant for respiratory care equipment in the home setting.

Ribavirin (Virazole) Delivery

This medication, used for RSV in infants, must be administered using a Small Particle Aerosol Generator (SPAG).