Pulmonary Function Study Guide | Q&A | Grade A | 100% Correct
(Verified Answers)
Subject: Advanced Diagnostic Testing / Pulmonary & Cardiac Evaluation
Source: NSG 550 Quiz 2 – Comprehensive Study Guide
Format: Q&A Guide with Clinical Rationale
1: What is AFB testing used for?
Correct Answer: Sputum culture testing for tuberculosis.
1. Acid-Fast Bacillus staining identifies Mycobacterium tuberculosis.
2. Three consecutive morning sputum samples recommended.
3. AFB smear faster but culture confirms diagnosis.
2: What is PCR used for?
Correct Answer: Polymerase chain reaction for viral detection.
1. PCR amplifies viral DNA/RNA for detection.
2. Used for COVID-19, influenza, RSV, HIV viral load.
3. Highly sensitive and specific.
3: What is a VQ scan used for?
Correct Answer: Ventilation-perfusion scan to rule out PE.
1. Used when CTA contraindicated (renal failure, contrast allergy).
2. Mismatch indicates pulmonary embolism.
3. Normal study effectively rules out PE.
4: What is a PET scan used for?
Correct Answer: Identifies glucose uptake for tumor detection.
1. Malignant cells have increased glucose metabolism.
2. Combined with CT for anatomical localization.
3. Used for cancer staging and monitoring treatment response.
5: What is a thoracentesis?
Correct Answer: Procedure to remove fluid from pleural space.
1. Diagnostic (pleural fluid analysis) and therapeutic (relieve dyspnea).
2. Light's criteria distinguishes transudate vs exudate.
3. Risk of pneumothorax, bleeding, infection.
, 6: What is ABG analysis used for?
Correct Answer: Arterial blood gas analysis for respiratory distress.
1. Assesses oxygenation (PaO2, SaO2) and ventilation (PaCO2).
2. Evaluates acid-base status (pH, HCO3).
3. Gold standard for respiratory failure diagnosis.
7: What is a PFT used for?
Correct Answer: Pulmonary function test for diagnosing lung diseases.
1. Distinguish obstructive vs restrictive lung disease.
2. Includes spirometry, lung volumes, diffusion capacity.
3. Used for preoperative evaluation and disability assessment.
8: What is spirometry?
Correct Answer: Gold standard for diagnosing COPD and asthma.
1. Measures FEV1, FVC, and FEV1/FVC ratio.
2. Pre and post-bronchodilator testing shows reversibility.
3. COPD diagnosis: FEV1/FVC <0.70 post-bronchodilator.
9: What is FVC?
Correct Answer: Forced vital capacity measurement in spirometry.
1. Total volume of air exhaled forcefully after maximal inspiration.
2. Reduced in restrictive lung disease and severe obstruction.
3. Normal value >80% predicted.
10: What is FEV1?
Correct Answer: Forced expiratory volume in one second.
1. Volume exhaled in first second of forced expiration.
2. Decreased in obstructive lung disease.
3. Used to grade COPD severity (GOLD stages).
11: What is the FEV1/FVC ratio used for?
Correct Answer: Used to confirm airflow limitation in COPD.
1. Normal ratio approximately 0.75-0.80.
2. Ratio <0.70 confirms obstruction.
3. Ratio normal or increased in restrictive disease.
12: What is polysomnography used for?
Correct Answer: Test for diagnosing sleep apnea.
1. Overnight sleep study monitoring brain waves, O2 saturation, respiratory effort.
2. AHI (apnea-hypopnea index) determines severity.
3. Also used for CPAP titration.