RT (CRT/RRT) Exam Flashcards

Q: How many questions are on the NBRC TMC exam in 2026?

NBRC lists the current TMC exam at 160 total items: 140 scored questions and 20 pretest questions.

Q: How long are the TMC and CSE exams?

NBRC lists the TMC time limit at 3 hours and the CSE time limit at 4 hours.

Q: What are the current NBRC exam fees for CRT/RRT candidates?

NBRC posts TMC at $190 for new applicants and $150 for repeat applicants. The CSE fee is listed as $200.

Q: How does CRT vs RRT pathway scoring work on TMC?

NBRC describes a low cut score and high cut score model: low cut score earns CRT, while high cut score earns CRT plus CSE eligibility in the current pathway.

Q: Is NBRC changing the RT exam after 2026?

Yes. NBRC states the current TMC detailed content outline is effective through December 31, 2026 and publishes a single RT Examination model effective January 2027.

Question 1

TMC Exam Structure (Current Pathway)

Accepted Answer

NBRC describes the Therapist Multiple-Choice (TMC) exam as 160 multiple-choice items.

Question 2

TMC Scored vs Pretest Items

Accepted Answer

The current TMC blueprint uses 140 scored items and 20 pretest items mixed into the exam.

Question 3

TMC Time Limit

Accepted Answer

NBRC lists the TMC appointment as 3 hours.

Question 4

CSE Structure and Time

Accepted Answer

NBRC lists the Clinical Simulation Examination (CSE) at 22 problems (20 scored + 2 pretest) with a 4-hour time limit.

Question 5

TMC Exam Fees

Accepted Answer

NBRC posts TMC fees at $190 for new applicants and $150 for repeat applicants.

Question 6

CSE Exam Fee

Accepted Answer

NBRC lists the CSE fee at $200 for both new and repeat applicants.

Question 7

Low Cut vs High Cut on TMC

Accepted Answer

At the low cut score, candidates earn CRT. At the high cut score, candidates earn CRT and become eligible for the CSE in the current pathway.

Question 8

TMC Outline Effective Through 2026

Accepted Answer

NBRC states the current TMC detailed content outline remains effective through December 31, 2026.

Question 9

2027 RT Exam Transition

Accepted Answer

NBRC has published a transition to a single RT Examination in January 2027 with 185 total items (160 scored + 25 pretest).

Question 10

CSE Availability During Transition

Accepted Answer

NBRC states CSE remains available through December 31, 2027 for candidates who met TMC high-cut eligibility by December 31, 2026.

Question 11

TMC Patient Data Domain Size

Accepted Answer

The TMC detailed content outline assigns 50 scored items to Patient Data Evaluation and Recommendations.

Question 12

ABG Acid-Base First Pass

Accepted Answer

Start ABG interpretation with pH, then map the primary change in PaCO2 or HCO3 to identify likely respiratory vs metabolic disturbance.

Question 13

Oxygenation vs Ventilation Distinction

Accepted Answer

PaO2 and oxygen saturation trends reflect oxygenation status, while PaCO2 trends reflect ventilatory adequacy.

Question 14

Trend-Based Interpretation

Accepted Answer

RT exam items often reward trend analysis over single values: compare serial ABGs, vital signs, and clinical findings before intervening.

Question 15

A-a Gradient Use

Accepted Answer

A widened A-a gradient supports gas-exchange impairment rather than pure hypoventilation and can change your differential.

Question 16

P/F Ratio Role

Accepted Answer

The PaO2/FiO2 ratio is a rapid severity marker for oxygenation impairment and helps prioritize escalation decisions.

Question 17

Capnography Clinical Value

Accepted Answer

End-tidal CO2 trends can help track ventilation changes quickly and should be interpreted with patient context and waveform quality.

Question 18

Imaging + Bedside Correlation

Accepted Answer

Use chest-imaging findings with auscultation, work of breathing, and blood-gas data to avoid single-source decision errors.

Question 19

Hemodynamic Context in RT Decisions

Accepted Answer

Respiratory interventions should be selected with blood pressure, perfusion signs, and cardiac status in mind, especially in unstable patients.

Question 20

Escalation Threshold Principle

Accepted Answer

When data suggests rapid deterioration, escalate promptly and prioritize airway, oxygenation, and ventilation stabilization.

Question 21

TMC Troubleshooting Domain Size

Accepted Answer

The TMC outline allocates 20 scored items to Troubleshooting, Quality Control, and Infection Control.

Question 22

High-Pressure Alarm Common Causes

Accepted Answer

Common causes include secretions, bronchospasm, biting, water in tubing, or decreased compliance; check patient factors first, then circuit/equipment.

Question 23

Low-Pressure Alarm Common Causes

Accepted Answer

Low-pressure alarms often indicate leaks or disconnections in the circuit, cuff leak, or loose connections.

Question 24

Low Exhaled Volume Check Sequence

Accepted Answer

Confirm tube position and cuff integrity, inspect the circuit for leaks, then reassess patient effort and synchrony.

Question 25

Oxygen Analyzer Best Practice

Accepted Answer

Calibrate and verify oxygen analyzers per manufacturer instructions and department policy before clinical use.

Question 26

Pulse Oximetry Artifact Sources

Accepted Answer

Poor perfusion, motion, nail products, and sensor-placement issues can create inaccurate SpO2 readings.

Question 27

Infection Control in Aerosol Care

Accepted Answer

Use facility-required PPE and source-control steps for aerosol-generating procedures to reduce transmission risk.

Question 28

Humidification Safety Point

Accepted Answer

Inadequate humidification can worsen secretion burden and airway injury risk in patients with artificial airways.

Question 29

Pre-Use Equipment Verification

Accepted Answer

Pre-use checks should confirm power/gas source, alarm function, circuit integrity, and ordered settings before patient connection.

Question 30

Post-Incident Documentation Standard

Accepted Answer

After equipment-related events, document findings, corrective actions, and patient response clearly for quality and safety follow-up.

Question 31

TMC Interventions Domain Size

Accepted Answer

The largest TMC domain is Initiation and Modification of Interventions with 70 scored items.

Question 32

Supplemental Oxygen Escalation Logic

Accepted Answer

Escalate oxygen support when targets are not met, balancing oxygenation goals with risk of over-oxygenation in susceptible populations.

Question 33

NIV Candidate Profile

Accepted Answer

Noninvasive ventilation is generally considered when ventilatory support is needed and airway protection/mental status are still adequate.

Question 34

Invasive Ventilation Decision Trigger

Accepted Answer

Escalate to invasive support when noninvasive strategies fail or when airway protection and gas exchange cannot be maintained safely.

Question 35

Correcting Respiratory Acidosis on Ventilation

Accepted Answer

Ventilator adjustments that increase effective minute ventilation can reduce elevated PaCO2 when clinically appropriate.

Question 36

Weaning Readiness Concept

Accepted Answer

Weaning decisions require stable oxygenation, manageable work of breathing, hemodynamic tolerance, and acceptable mental status.

Question 37

Bronchodilator Delivery Decision

Accepted Answer

Choose MDI, DPI, or nebulized delivery based on patient ability, airway status, device technique, and urgency.

Question 38

Airway Clearance Strategy

Accepted Answer

Match airway-clearance methods to secretion burden, patient tolerance, and contraindications rather than using one method for all cases.

Question 39

Post-Extubation Risk Mitigation

Accepted Answer

High-risk patients may need planned support and close reassessment immediately after extubation to prevent avoidable failure.

Question 40

Resuscitation Team Role for RT

Accepted Answer

During resuscitation, respiratory therapists support airway management, ventilation quality, oxygen delivery, and continuous reassessment.

Question 41

Domain-Weighted Study Allocation

Accepted Answer

A practical TMC weighting is Interventions first (70 items), Patient Data second (50), and Troubleshooting/QC/Infection Control third (20).

Question 42

TMC Pacing Benchmark

Accepted Answer

At 180 minutes for 160 items, pacing is about 68 seconds per question. Avoid spending too long on a single item.

Question 43

Safety-First Tie Breaker

Accepted Answer

When choices seem close, prioritize the option that secures airway/oxygenation/ventilation safety before lower-priority actions.

Question 44

Clinical Prioritization Sequence

Accepted Answer

Use a consistent triage order: immediate airway and breathing threats, then oxygenation/ventilation adequacy, then diagnostics and optimization.

Question 45

Avoid Overcorrection Trap

Accepted Answer

Large simultaneous setting changes can create secondary instability; adjust deliberately and reassess response after each change.

Question 46

NBRC Retake Waiting Rule

Accepted Answer

NBRC policy states no waiting period for the first three attempts, then a 120-day wait period applies after the third unsuccessful attempt.

Question 47

CSE Reasoning Style

Accepted Answer

CSE problems evaluate stepwise clinical judgment across evolving scenarios, so sequence and appropriateness of choices matter.

Question 48

Handoff and Documentation Quality

Accepted Answer

Clear, concise handoffs and objective documentation support continuity of care and reduce preventable respiratory-management errors.

Question 49

Exam-Day Readiness Checklist

Accepted Answer

Before test day, confirm authorization, accepted ID, travel buffer, and any testing-center procedural requirements.

Question 50

High-Return Prep Loop

Accepted Answer

Rotate study guide review, timed practice questions, and flashcards to improve both concept depth and decision speed.

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