Certified Respiratory Therapist Practice Exam

What is the frequency of testing ventilators to ensure their performance?

1. After every third patient use

2. After each use before another patient

3. Weekly

4. Monthly

The correct answer is: After each use before another patient

Testing ventilators after each use before another patient is the standard practice for ensuring optimal performance and patient safety. This frequent testing helps to identify and rectify any issues or malfunctions that could compromise the ventilator's functionality. Given that ventilators are critical devices, their reliability is paramount during each patient's treatment. This approach mitigates the risk of equipment failure, which can lead to serious respiratory distress or inadequate ventilation in patients. Regular testing helps in confirming proper settings, system integrity, and overall readiness for the next patient. While other options suggest a range of testing frequencies, only testing after each use addresses immediate concerns for safety and effective therapy.