Respiratory Therapist Interview

Can read a blood gas, integrate it with vital signs, breath sounds, and patient history, and state the therapy change it drives rather than reciting reference ranges.

Sets up modes and parameters within physician orders, sets meaningful alarm limits, troubleshoots pressure and desaturation alarms systematically, and knows weaning and extubation criteria.

Owns the airway during codes and rapid responses — bag-mask, intubation assist, suction, capnography confirmation — and coordinates with the code leader using clear, closed-loop communication.

Performs pre-use checks and calibrations, removes faulty devices from service, orders repairs, and has a workable backup plan when a device fails at the bedside.

Charts treatment given, pre and post assessment, patient tolerance, ventilator changes, adverse responses, and physician communication with times, so the next therapist can continue the plan.

Explains procedures in plain language, reads anxiety and confusion accurately, and gains cooperation from frightened patients and families without coercion.

Reports critical results to physicians concisely with an assessment and recommendation, coordinates with nurses, and uses the chain of command when a concern is unresolved.