RT-09 · Data Evaluation

Patient History, Chart Review & Physical Assessment

Building the clinical picture before you touch a device — history, vitals, inspection, auscultation, and the lab values that change respiratory decisions.

~20 min read3 concept sections·4 questions with rationale

What you'll be able to do

  • Extract decision-relevant data from a chart review
  • Match breath sounds and inspection findings to pathology
  • Interpret vital signs and labs in a respiratory context
  • Recognize impending respiratory failure at the bedside
Concept breakdown
01

Chart review with a purpose

The exam rewards therapists who look for the specific data that changes the next action.

  • Advance directives and code status precede any escalation decision.
  • Home oxygen liter flow, baseline gases, and prior intubations define what 'normal' means for this patient.
  • Medication list: beta blockers blunt tachycardia, opioids and benzodiazepines depress drive, diuretics cause the hypokalemic metabolic alkalosis you will see on the gas.
  • Fluid balance and weight trend explain a compliance change faster than any imaging.
Practice quiz

Check yourself before you read the rationale.

Question 1 of 1

An asthmatic in severe distress had loud expiratory wheezing on arrival; ten minutes later the chest is quiet with minimal air movement. This change means:

Practice questions

Answer first, then read why the distractors fail.

Question 1

An asthmatic in severe distress had loud expiratory wheezing on arrival; ten minutes later the chest is quiet with minimal air movement. This change means:

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2 more concept sections, 3 more questions, and the exam-day playbook for this module.

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