Certified Respiratory Therapist Practice Exam

What is the recommended period for testing and confirming a ventilator's performance?

1. Every shift

2. Every patient use

3. Monthly

4. Weekly

The correct answer is: Every patient use

The recommended period for testing and confirming a ventilator's performance is every patient use. This approach is critical because each patient may have different respiratory needs and requirements, and ensuring that the ventilator is functioning optimally is essential for patient safety and effective treatment. By testing the ventilator's performance with every new patient, respiratory therapists can promptly identify any issues or malfunctions, verify that settings are appropriate, and ensure that the equipment is delivering the expected volumes, pressures, and oxygen concentrations. This practice minimizes the risk of complications and enhances the quality of care provided to each patient who requires ventilatory support.