Respiratory Therapist Prometric Exam
Duration: 3 Hours
Number of Questions: 150
Exam Code: RES5882
Fee: USD 240
Pass Score: Typically 60-65%
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Exam Coverage
1. Patient Data
Focus Areas: Collection and interpretation of patient data, including vital signs, laboratory results, and patient history.
Key Concepts:
Understanding normal and abnormal respiratory parameters.
Interpretation of arterial blood gases, spirometry, and other pulmonary function tests.
Tips: Familiarize yourself with common respiratory values and their implications for patient care.
2. Assessment and Evaluation
Focus Areas: Conducting comprehensive respiratory assessments and evaluations.
Key Concepts:
Use of clinical assessment tools, auscultation, and physical examination techniques.
Identifying respiratory disorders based on clinical presentations and assessments.
Tips: Practice assessment techniques and understand how to differentiate respiratory conditions based on patient data.
3. Equipment Manipulation, Troubleshooting / Quality Control
Focus Areas: Proper use and maintenance of respiratory equipment.
Key Concepts:
Calibration, troubleshooting, and quality control for respiratory therapy equipment.
Ensuring equipment functionality and addressing malfunctions.
Tips: Gain familiarity with common respiratory equipment and its maintenance requirements.
4. Patient Safety
Focus Areas: Implementing safety protocols in respiratory therapy practice.
Key Concepts:
Safe handling of equipment, infection control practices, and patient monitoring.
Prevention of nosocomial infections, cross-contamination, and equipment-related hazards.
Tips: Study safety guidelines, particularly for infection control and patient handling.
5. Therapeutic Procedures
Focus Areas: Techniques used in respiratory therapy for treating patients.
Key Concepts:
Administration of oxygen therapy, aerosol therapy, and chest physiotherapy.
Techniques to improve ventilation and prevent respiratory complications.
Tips: Understand the indications, contraindications, and procedures for each therapy.
6. Airway Patency and Care
Focus Areas: Maintenance of open airways in patients, especially those with respiratory distress.
Key Concepts:
Techniques for suctioning, endotracheal intubation, and airway clearance.
Management of artificial airways, including tracheostomy care.
Tips: Practice airway management techniques and review the indications for each intervention.
7. Bronchial Hygiene Techniques
Focus Areas: Methods to clear secretions from the respiratory tract.
Key Concepts:
Techniques like chest percussion, postural drainage, and suctioning.
Use of bronchial hygiene in patients with chronic respiratory conditions like COPD.
Tips: Learn the proper procedures for each technique and its role in respiratory care.
8. Infection Control
Focus Areas: Infection prevention practices specific to respiratory therapy.
Key Concepts:
Use of personal protective equipment (PPE), hand hygiene, and disinfection protocols.
Prevention of ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) and other respiratory infections.
Tips: Review infection control protocols, especially in high-risk respiratory settings.
9. Mechanical Ventilation
Focus Areas: Management and monitoring of patients on mechanical ventilation.
Key Concepts:
Ventilator settings, modes of ventilation, and patient-ventilator interaction.
Troubleshooting common issues and weaning from mechanical ventilation.
Tips: Focus on ventilator modes, indications for mechanical ventilation, and weaning protocols.
10. Pulmonary Rehabilitation and Home Care
Focus Areas: Rehabilitation techniques and care for patients in home settings.
Key Concepts:
Techniques to improve respiratory function, endurance, and quality of life.
Home oxygen therapy, nebulizer use, and patient/caregiver education.
Tips: Understand components of pulmonary rehab and home care equipment management.
11. Patient Education
Focus Areas: Educating patients and their families about respiratory care.
Key Concepts:
Teaching patients about medication adherence, breathing exercises, and lifestyle changes.
Promoting self-care techniques, especially in chronic respiratory conditions.
Tips: Develop communication skills to effectively educate patients and their caregivers.
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Study Recommendations
1. Blueprint-Based Preparation
Allocate study time based on the weight of each topic. Focus more on high-yield areas like mechanical ventilation, infection control, and therapeutic procedures.
2. Core Textbooks and References
Recommended Books:
Egan’s Fundamentals of Respiratory Care – Comprehensive foundational knowledge.
Pilbeam’s Mechanical Ventilation: Physiological and Clinical Applications – Essential for understanding ventilation.
Wilkins' Clinical Assessment in Respiratory Care – Valuable for assessment techniques.
Clinical Manifestations and Assessment of Respiratory Disease – Case-based approach to respiratory conditions.
Ruppel's Manual of Pulmonary Function Testing – Key for understanding PFTs and their interpretation.
3. Practice with Clinical Scenarios
The DHA exam often includes scenario-based questions. Practice with case studies to improve critical thinking and application of theoretical knowledge.
4. Mock Tests and Timed Practice
Use timed mock exams to improve pacing and comfort with the question format. Identify weaker areas and focus on revisiting those topics.
5. Review Guidelines and Protocols
Emphasize safety protocols, infection control, and patient care guidelines, as these are crucial in respiratory therapy practice.
6. Stay Updated on Recent Guidelines
Review updated guidelines on infection control, mechanical ventilation management, and respiratory assessment.
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By following this structured approach and focusing on core respiratory therapy skills and DHA-specific guidelines, you can improve your readiness for the DHA Prometric Exam for Respiratory Therapists. Good luck!