Pulmonary Function Study Questions
Pulmonary Function Testing (PFT) is a group of tests that measure how well the lungs are functioning. These tests are often ordered by pulmonologists (lung specialists) or other healthcare providers to diagnose and monitor respiratory conditions such as asthma, COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease), and pulmonary fibrosis. PFTs can also be used to assess the effectiveness of respiratory therapy and to monitor the progression of lung diseases.
There are several different types of PFTs, including spirometry, lung volume measurements, and diffusing capacity testing. Spirometry is the most common type of PFT and involves measuring the amount and speed of air a patient can exhale. The results of spirometry tests, such as forced vital capacity (FVC) and forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1), can help diagnose and monitor conditions such as asthma and COPD. Lung volume measurements, such as total lung capacity (TLC) and residual volume (RV), assess the overall capacity of the lungs and the efficiency of gas exchange. Diffusing capacity testing measures the ability of the lungs to transfer oxygen into the bloodstream.
PFTs are usually performed in a healthcare provider’s office or a specialized testing center. During the test, the patient is asked to exhale into a machine called a spirometer, which records the amount and speed of air exhaled. Some PFTs may also require the use of bronchodilators, which are medications that widen the airways by relaxing smooth muscle. These medications can be given before the test to see how well they improve the patient’s lung function.
It is important for patients to follow the instructions provided by their healthcare provider and the testing center staff during PFTs. Proper technique is crucial for accurate results, so patients should exhale as hard and as long as they can into the spirometer. It is also important for patients to tell their healthcare provider about any medications they are taking, as some medications can affect the results of PFTs.
Pulmonary Function Test Questions
1. Which of the following tests measures the amount of air a patient can exhale after taking the deepest breath they can?
a) Forced vital capacity (FVC)
b) Forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1)
c) Total lung capacity (TLC)
d) Residual volume (RV)
Which of the following tests measures the amount of air left in the lungs after a patient exhales as much as they can?
a) Forced vital capacity (FVC)
b) Forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1)
c) Total lung capacity (TLC)
d) Residual volume (RV)
Which of the following tests measures the total volume of air in the lungs at maximal inhalation?
a) Forced vital capacity (FVC)
b) Forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1)
) Total lung capacity (TLC)
d) Residual volume (RV)
What is the purpose of using bronchodilators during lung function testing?
a) To increase the amount of air a patient can exhale
b) To measure the amount of air left in the lungs after exhaling
c) To measure the capacity of the airways
d) To measure the efficiency of gas exchange in the lungs
What is the normal range for FEV1 in a healthy adult?
a) 70-100% of predicted value
b) 60-80% of predicted value
c) 50-70% of predicted value
d) 40-60% of predicted value
In which of the following conditions is a decreased FEV1 commonly seen?
a) Asthma
b) Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
c) Pulmonary fibrosis
d) All of the above
What is the normal range for FVC in a healthy adult?
a) 70-100% of predicted value
b) 80-90% of predicted value
c) 60-80% of predicted value
d) 50-70% of predicted value
What is the normal range for TLC in a healthy adult?
a) 70-100% of predicted value
b) 80-90% of predicted value
c) 60-80% of predicted value
d) 50-70% of predicted value
What is the normal range for RV in a healthy adult?
a) 30-50% of predicted value
b) 20-40% of predicted value
c) 10-30% of predicted value
d) 0-20% of predicted value
Which of the following tests measures the flow of air through the airways during forced expiration?
a) Forced vital capacity (FVC)
b) Forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1)
c) Peak expiratory flow (PEF)
d) Maximum voluntary ventilation (MVV)
Pulmonary Function Answers:
1) Forced vital capacity (FVC) – The FVC test measures the amount of air a patient can exhale after taking the deepest breath they can. It is used to assess the overall function of the lungs.
2) Residual volume (RV) – The RV test measures the amount of air left in the lungs after a patient exhales as much as they can. It is used to assess the elasticity of the lungs and the efficiency of gas exchange
3) Total lung capacity (TLC) – The TLC test measures the total volume of air in the lungs at maximal inhalation. It is used to assess the overall capacity of the lungs.
4) To increase the amount of air a patient can exhale – Bronchodilators are medications that widen the airways by relaxing smooth muscle. They are often used during lung function testing to see how well they improve a patient’s lung function.
5) 70-100% of predicted value – In a healthy adult, the FEV1 (forced expiratory volume in 1 second) should be within 70-100% of the predicted value. This value is based on factors such as the patient’s age, sex, height, and race.
6) All of the above – A decreased FEV1 (forced expiratory volume in 1 second) is commonly seen in conditions that involve airway narrowing or obstruction, such as asthma, COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease), and pulmonary fibrosis. This is because a decreased FEV1 indicates that the patient is having difficulty exhaling air from their lungs, which can be a sign of reduced lung function.
7) 70-100% of predicted value – In a healthy adult, the FVC (forced vital capacity) should be within 70-100% of the predicted value. This value is based on factors such as the patient’s age, sex, height, and race.
8) 60-80% of predicted value – In a healthy adult, the TLC (total lung capacity) should be within 60-80% of the predicted value. This value is based on factors such as the patient’s age, sex, height, and race.
9) 20-40% of predicted value – In a healthy adult, the RV (residual volume) should be within 20-40% of the predicted value. This value is based on factors such as the patient’s age, sex, height, and race.
10) Peak expiratory flow (PEF) – The PEF test measures the flow of air through the airways during forced expiration. It is used to assess the function of the small airways and to monitor the effectiveness of bronchodilator therapy.
