Specialties Exam 1 Review

List all of the specialty exams offered for respiratory therapists and the different career

opportunities available (10)

• Adult Critical Care (NBRC ACCS)

• Diagnostics (CPFT-RPFT)

• Neonatal-Pediatrics (NPS)

• Sleep disorder Specialist (CRT-SDS, RRT-SDS)

• Management

• Assisting Physicians

• Transport Therapist

• Hyperbaric Medicine

• Disease Management (Asthma Education, COPD Education, Smoking Education)

• Home Health

How does the changing healthcare system need to respond to patient needs? (3)

• Context of diagnosis

• Treatment

• Management of patients with acute and chronic respiratory disorders

What are the areas that require increased emphasis on managing patient care? (3)

• Chronic care

• Wellness

• Prevention

What does ACCS stand for and what is the passing score for this exam?

• Adult critical care specialist

• 100/150 questions or (67%)

What are the general categories of shock? (5)

• Hypovolemic

• Cardiogenic

• Septic

• Neurogenic

• Anaphylactic shock

What methods are employed to prevent VAP? (5)

• HOB above 30 degrees

• Oral care

• Turning off sedation

• Subglottic suctioning

• Heated wire in place of HMEs

What are the components of the ARDS protocol? (5)

• Lower volumes

• Higher rates

• Higher PEEPs

• Low Plateau Pressures

• Vt of 4-6 ml/kg

List the advanced pulmonary function diagnostic tests. (5)

• Plethysmography

• Diffusion capacity

• Esophageal pressure

• Metabolic testing

• Diaphragm stimulation

What do the low- and high-cut scores for the PFT exam signify?

• If a candidate achieves the lower cut score, they will earn the CPFT credential

• If a candidate achieves the higher cut score, they will earn the RPFT credential

How long must a non-licensed individual perform PFTs prior to taking the specialty exam?

• A minimum of six months of clinical experience in the field of pulmonary function technology is also required prior to apply for the examination.

What is the entry-level cut score for the PFT specialty exam?

• The entry-level passing score for this exam is a composite scaled score of 75.

What are the modalities that a respiratory therapist must become involved in to participate in research and development that will meet the changing needs of future healthcare?

• Clinical decisions will be increasingly data driven

• Evidence-based medicine

• Protocols will guide therapist within and outside the intensive care unit (ICU)

• Patient education

• Staff education

• Disease management

• Respiratory care in homes

• Emergency and critical care

What major changes must healthcare be prepared for? (3)

• Increasing population

• Large numbers of Baby Boomers turn 65 years old

• Improve quality of healthcare while decreasing overall costs

Review the course calendar for important dates to remember.

• Exam 1: February 3-9

• Exam 2: February 24-March 2

• Spring Break: March 9-16

• Transport Therapist: TBD

• Final Exam: May 1-8

Know how to calculate the p/f ratio and what it’s value means?

• P/F ratio identifies the severity of lung disease

• Most mechanically ventilated patients had a p/f less than 200, which is consistent with ARDS

What are the candidate requirements to take the CPFT exam?

• Must be 18 years of age or older

• With one of the following:

  • Minimum of an associate degree from a respiratory therapy education program

  • Be a CRT or RRT credentialed by the NBRC

  • Complete 62 semester hours of college credit from a college or university accredited by its regional association or its equivalent, including college credit level courses in biology, chemistry and mathematics. A minimum of six months of clinical experience in the field of pulmonary function technology is also required prior to apply for the examination.