The number of trophic levels in an ecosystem rarely exceeds four.  What is the main reason that a fifth trophic level would not normally be found in an ecosystem?

The correct placement for the needle during decompression of a tension pneumothorax is:

A patient is receiving mechanical ventilation at home. Which of the following devices should be available to provide temporary support in the even of a power failure?

Which of the following must you verify when considering weaning an obtunded patient?I. adequate gag reflexII. no depressant drugsIII. adequate cough

Which of the following cardiovascular signs would indicate that a patient’s cardiovascular status is unstable and that weaning should NOT begin at this time?

The flow sheet below, for a patient on pressure-controlled continuous mandatory ventilation (PC-CMV), demonstrates which of the following? Time PIP(cm H2O) PEEP(cm H2O) Exhaled VT (mL) 0800 28 8 435 1000 28 8 493 1200 28 8 500

Which of the following is a contraindication for the use of nitric oxide?

Which of the following mean airway pressures is considered potentially deleterious when applying positive airway pressure?

The respiratory therapist in the CCU is preping a patient for the insertion of an arterial line. Before beginning the procedure, the therapist obtained a positive modified Allen’s test of the left hand. What should the RT do at this time?

If the PI is left at 25 cmH2O and PEEP is increased from 4 cmH2O to 8 cmH2O, which of the following will result: