Respiratory Failure and Advanced Respiratory Emergencies Practice Test

A 52-year-old male with a recent viral illness presents with progressive, symmetric weakness that started in his feet and is now affecting his arms. He is alert and oriented but notes increasing difficulty taking a deep breath. His single breath count has decreased from 30 to 15 over the past hour.

A 68-year-old male with a history of pancreatitis develops severe dyspnea over several hours. Vitals are: HR 130, RR 36 and shallow, BP 90/60, and SpO2 is 84% on a non-rebreather mask. Lung sounds reveal diffuse bilateral crackles. Despite assisted ventilations with a BVM using 100% O2 and a PEEP valve, the SpO2 does not improve.