NURS 8026 Differential Diagnosis Module 12
PFT Questions and Correct Answers
1. FVC
2. FEV1
3. FEV1/FVC
What are the 3 most important indices in spirometry?
FEV1
-is diagnosed with low FVC and normal ratio
Which of the following is used to follow disease severity in COPD patients?
a. Total lung capacity (TLC)
b. Degree of responsiveness to bronchodilators
c. Forced vital capacity (FVC)
d. Forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1)
e. Diffusing capacity (DLCO)
b. pre and post bronchodilator study
A 36yo WF, non-smoker, presents to your office for follow-up of "recurrent bronchitis". You
suspect asthma and decide to order PFTs. Which of the following would you include in your
initial prescription for testing? a. Diffusing Capacity (DLCO)
b. Pre and post-bronchodilator study
c. Methacholine challenge
d. Flow volume loop
, e. b and c
f. All of the above
Provides acceptable (quantifiable) and repeatable measurement of lung function
What is the purpose of pulmonary function testing?
Indications for PFT
Diagnosis
-Evaluate s/s or abnormal diagnostic test results (CXR, EKG, Hg, ABG)
• Measure physiologic effect of disease
• Screen at risk individuals
• Assess pre-op risk
• Assess prognosis
Monitoring
• Assess therapeutic response
• Monitor disease progression, status of exacerbation
• Monitor after exposure to toxic agents, adverse drug effects
Disability/impairment evaluation
Other
• Research, pre-employment screen for at-risk occupations, baseline pre- risk associated
activity
USPSTF says no
Should you screen at risk asymptomatic populations with PFT (ex: smokers)?
PFT Questions and Correct Answers
1. FVC
2. FEV1
3. FEV1/FVC
What are the 3 most important indices in spirometry?
FEV1
-is diagnosed with low FVC and normal ratio
Which of the following is used to follow disease severity in COPD patients?
a. Total lung capacity (TLC)
b. Degree of responsiveness to bronchodilators
c. Forced vital capacity (FVC)
d. Forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1)
e. Diffusing capacity (DLCO)
b. pre and post bronchodilator study
A 36yo WF, non-smoker, presents to your office for follow-up of "recurrent bronchitis". You
suspect asthma and decide to order PFTs. Which of the following would you include in your
initial prescription for testing? a. Diffusing Capacity (DLCO)
b. Pre and post-bronchodilator study
c. Methacholine challenge
d. Flow volume loop
, e. b and c
f. All of the above
Provides acceptable (quantifiable) and repeatable measurement of lung function
What is the purpose of pulmonary function testing?
Indications for PFT
Diagnosis
-Evaluate s/s or abnormal diagnostic test results (CXR, EKG, Hg, ABG)
• Measure physiologic effect of disease
• Screen at risk individuals
• Assess pre-op risk
• Assess prognosis
Monitoring
• Assess therapeutic response
• Monitor disease progression, status of exacerbation
• Monitor after exposure to toxic agents, adverse drug effects
Disability/impairment evaluation
Other
• Research, pre-employment screen for at-risk occupations, baseline pre- risk associated
activity
USPSTF says no
Should you screen at risk asymptomatic populations with PFT (ex: smokers)?
