Certified Transport Registered Nurse Certification Practice Exam

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What is the reserve time before desaturation for a healthy adult?

  1. 2 - 3 minutes

  2. 4 - 5 minutes

  3. 6 - 7 minutes

  4. 8 - 9 minutes

The correct answer is: 6 - 7 minutes

The reserve time before desaturation for a healthy adult is approximately 6 to 7 minutes. This timeframe reflects how long an adult can sustain oxygenation during periods of apnea or hypoventilation due to the residual oxygen stored in the lungs and blood. In an emergency situation, this reserve is crucial, as it provides a window for intervention before desaturation occurs, allowing healthcare providers to act swiftly to restore normal breathing or oxygenation. A healthy adult generally has a functional residual capacity of about 2.5 to 3 liters of air in the lungs, which includes oxygen that can maintain blood saturation levels. The physiological mechanisms in place allow for a considerable amount of time for the body to utilize this stored oxygen before levels in the blood begin to drop significantly. Understanding this reserve time is vital for transport nurses, as it informs decisions during patient stabilization and transport processes.