Top 10 Questions for Respiratory Therapy Technician (RTT) Interview

1. Describe the steps involved in administering a bronchodilator via a metered-dose inhaler (MDI).

Sample Answer:

• Prime the inhaler by pressing the canister down twice before using it for the first time.
• Shake the inhaler well before each use.
• Position the inhaler upright and place the mouthpiece in the patient’s mouth.
• Ask the patient to exhale completely.
• Press the canister once and have the patient inhale slowly and deeply through the mouthpiece for 5-10 seconds.
• Hold the patient’s breath for 5-10 seconds to allow the medication to be absorbed.
• Repeat the process for the second dose, if prescribed.
• Rinse the patient’s mouth with water after use to prevent thrush.

2. Explain the role of respiratory therapy in managing a patient with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS).

Assessment

• Evaluating the patient’s respiratory status, including arterial blood gases (ABGs), pulse oximetry, and chest X-ray.
• Monitoring vital signs and assessing the patient’s response to treatment.

Treatment

• Administering mechanical ventilation using appropriate ventilator settings, such as positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) and tidal volume, to support the patient’s breathing.
• Providing supplemental oxygen therapy to increase the patient’s oxygen levels.
• Performing chest physiotherapy to promote airway clearance and prevent complications.

Education

• Educating the patient and family about ARDS, its symptoms, and treatment.
• Providing instructions on respiratory care techniques, such as deep breathing exercises and incentive spirometry.

3. Describe the indications for and risks of using a high-frequency oscillatory ventilator (HFOV).

Sample Answer:

Indications

• Neonatal respiratory distress syndrome (RDS)
• Meconium aspiration syndrome
• Persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn (PPHN)
• ARDS in adults and children

Risks

• Barotrauma: Damage to lung tissue due to excessive pressure.
• Volutrauma: Damage to lung tissue due to excessive tidal volume.
• Oxygen toxicity: Damage to lung tissue due to excessive oxygen levels.
• Infection: The risk of infection increases with prolonged use of HFOV.

4. How would you manage a patient with a pneumothorax?

Sample Answer:

• Assess the patient’s respiratory status and provide supplemental oxygen as needed.
• Insert a chest tube to evacuate the air from the pleural space.
• Monitor the patient’s vital signs and chest tube drainage closely.
• Administer antibiotics if there is evidence of infection.
• Provide the patient with pain medication and respiratory care as needed.

5. Explain the principles of non-invasive ventilation (NIV) and discuss its benefits and limitations.

Sample Answer:

Principles

• NIV is a method of mechanical ventilation that is delivered to the patient through a mask or nasal prongs.
• It provides positive airway pressure to support the patient’s breathing without the need for intubation.

Benefits

• Improved oxygenation and ventilation.
• Reduced work of breathing.
• Avoidance of intubation and its associated risks.
• Improved patient comfort and quality of life.

Limitations

• Not suitable for all patients, such as those who are unable to cooperate or who have severe respiratory distress.
• May be uncomfortable for some patients.
• Can be difficult to deliver adequate ventilation to some patients.

6. Discuss the role of respiratory therapy in the management of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

Sample Answer:

• Assessment: Evaluating the patient’s respiratory status, including spirometry, ABGs, and chest X-ray.
• Treatment: Administering medications, such as bronchodilators and corticosteroids, to improve airway function.
• Education: Educating the patient and family about COPD, its symptoms, and treatment.
• Respiratory care: Providing chest physiotherapy, incentive spirometry, and other respiratory care techniques to promote airway clearance and prevent complications.

7. Explain the differences between an inspiratory hold and an expiratory hold in mechanical ventilation.

Inspiratory Hold

• Brief pause in ventilation at the end of inspiration.
• Allows the alveoli to fully expand, improving gas exchange.
• Can be used to increase tidal volume or improve oxygenation.

Expiratory Hold

• Brief pause in ventilation at the end of expiration.
• Allows the alveoli to fully deflate, reducing airway pressure.
• Can be used to reduce auto-PEEP or improve airway clearance.

8. Describe the indications for and contraindications of tracheal intubation.

Sample Answer:

Indications

• Respiratory failure
• Airway obstruction
• Altered level of consciousness
• Protection of the airway during surgery or other procedures

Contraindications

• Absolute: None
• Relative: Coagulopathy, esophageal varices, suspected cervical spine injury

9. How would you troubleshoot a mechanical ventilator that is not delivering adequate tidal volume?

Sample Answer:

• Check the ventilator settings to ensure that they are correct for the patient.
• Inspect the ventilator circuit for any leaks or obstructions.
• Check the patient’s airway to ensure that it is clear and not obstructed.
• Assess the patient’s chest movement and lung sounds to rule out any underlying respiratory problems.
• If the problem persists, consult with a respiratory therapist or physician.

10. Discuss the ethical considerations involved in end-of-life care for patients with respiratory failure.

Sample Answer:

• Respecting the patient’s autonomy and wishes
• Providing comfort and symptom management
• Avoiding unnecessary suffering
• Communicating effectively with the patient and family
• Collaborating with other healthcare professionals

Respiratory Therapy Technicians (RTTs) play a vital role in providing comprehensive respiratory care to patients with breathing difficulties or cardiopulmonary conditions.

1. Patient Assessment and Monitoring

RTTs assess and monitor patients’ respiratory status, including oxygen saturation, breathing patterns, and lung function.

• Conduct physical examinations to evaluate respiratory symptoms
• Monitor vital signs, including blood pressure, heart rate, and respiratory rate

2. Respiratory Therapy Administration

RTTs administer respiratory therapies, such as oxygen therapy, nebulizer treatments, and mechanical ventilation.

• Administer oxygen via nasal cannula, mask, or mechanical ventilator
• Provide nebulizer treatments to deliver medications to the lungs

3. Mechanical Ventilation Support

RTTs provide mechanical ventilation support to patients with severe respiratory distress or failure.

• Operate and monitor mechanical ventilators to ensure proper ventilation
• Adjust ventilator settings to meet individual patient needs

4. Patient Education and Counseling

RTTs educate patients and their families about respiratory conditions and treatments.

• Provide instructions on proper use of respiratory equipment
• Explain the importance of smoking cessation and respiratory hygiene

To ace your Respiratory Therapy Technician interview, follow these tips:

1. Research the Organization and Position

Familiarize yourself with the hospital or healthcare facility you are applying to, as well as the specific job description.

• Visit the organization’s website and read about their mission, values, and services.
• Read the job description carefully and identify the key responsibilities and qualifications.

2. Highlight Your Skills and Experience

Emphasize your relevant skills and experience in your resume and cover letter, and be prepared to discuss them in detail during the interview.

• Quantify your accomplishments with specific examples of your impact on patient care.
• Use action verbs to describe your responsibilities and achievements.

3. Practice Common Interview Questions

Prepare for common interview questions by researching general interview questions and specific questions related to respiratory therapy.

• Practice answering questions out loud to improve your confidence and delivery.
• Consider the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers and provide clear examples.

4. Dress Professionally and Arrive Punctually

First impressions matter, so dress professionally and arrive on time for your interview.

• Choose attire that is appropriate for a healthcare setting.
• Arrive on time or slightly early to demonstrate your punctuality and respect for the interviewer’s schedule.