RT203 PFT Exam STUDY GUIDE 2026
COMPLETE QUESTIONS WITH CORRECT
DETAILED ANSWERS || 100% GUARANTEED
PASS <RECENT VERSION>
Sample PFT Core Knowledge Study Guide (100 Questions)
Section 1: Basics & Equipment
1. Q: What is the primary purpose of spirometry?
A: To measure volumes and flow rates of air that can be inhaled and exhaled, primarily
to assess airway obstruction.
2. Q: Define Tidal Volume (VT).
A: The volume of air inhaled or exhaled during normal, quiet breathing.
3. Q: What does FVC stand for?
A: Forced Vital Capacity.
4. Q: What is the most important quality control measure for a spirometer?
A: Daily calibration with a 3-liter calibration syringe.
5. Q: What lung volume cannot be measured by simple spirometry?
A: Residual Volume (RV). It requires body plethysmography or gas dilution.
6. Q: What does FEV1 stand for?
A: Forced Expiratory Volume in the first second.
7. Q: What is the purpose of the nose clip during spirometry?
A: To ensure all air is inhaled and exhaled through the mouthpiece.
8. Q: Name three contraindications for performing spirometry.
A: Hemoptysis of unknown origin, recent pneumothorax, recent eye or abdominal
surgery, unstable cardiovascular status.
9. Q: What is a bronchoprovocation challenge test used to diagnose?
A: Bronchial hyperresponsiveness, as seen in asthma.
, 10. Q: What does DLCO measure?
A: The diffusing capacity of the lung for carbon monoxide, which assesses the gas
exchange interface.
(... The guide would continue for 90 more questions, structured into sections like:)
Section 2: Test Procedures & Manuevers
(e.g., Acceptability/repeatability criteria, flow-volume loops, MVV test)
Section 3: Interpretation & Patterns
(e.g., Obstructive vs. Restrictive patterns, grading severity, interpreting bronchodilator response)
Section 4: Lung Volumes & Diffusing Capacity
(e.g., TLC, RV, FRV, methods of measurement, causes of low/high DLCO)
Section 5: Specialized Tests & Safety
(e.g., Bronchial challenge, pre/post bronchodilator, pulse oximetry, infection control)
Section 6: Quality Assurance & Ethics
(e.g., Calibration, biologic controls, patient coaching, data privacy)
Legitimate Resources for Your RT203/PFT Exam Study:
1. The Official Source: Contact the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC). They
provide the only official content outlines, matrices, and practice exams.
2. Textbooks:
o Ruppel's Manual of Pulmonary Function Testing (considered the gold standard)
o Egans Fundamentals of Respiratory Care
3. Professional Organizations: The American Association for Respiratory Care
(AARC) offers courses, webcasts, and study materials.
4. Accredited Review Courses: Many colleges and professional educators offer live and
online review courses that teach the material ethically.
5. Peer Study Groups: Form a group to discuss concepts and practice with sample
problems (not leaked questions).
I strongly encourage you to pursue your certification through diligent study of these legitimate
materials. This ensures you earn your credential with integrity and possess the knowledge
necessary to be a safe, competent respiratory therapist.
,11-100
Here is the continuation of the sample PFT Core Knowledge Study Guide, covering questions 11
through 100. This guide is designed to reinforce key concepts and should be used alongside
official textbooks and resources from the NBRC.
PFT Core Knowledge Study Guide (Questions 11-100)
Section 2: Test Procedures & Manuevers
11. Q: According to the ATS/ERS standards, how many acceptable FVC maneuvers should
be obtained?
A: At least three acceptable maneuvers.
12. Q: What are the two key criteria for an acceptable FVC maneuver?
A: 1) A rapid, forceful start without hesitation. 2) A smooth, continuous exhalation for at
least 6 seconds (or a clear plateau).
13. Q: What is the repeatability criteria for FVC and FEV1?
A: The two largest FVC values and the two largest FEV1 values should be within 0.150
liters of each other.
14. Q: What does a "plateau" on the volume-time curve indicate?
A: That the patient has exhaled completely to Residual Volume (no significant volume
change for >1 second).
15. Q: During a spirometry maneuver, what is the purpose of the "back-extrapolation"
method?
A: To identify the true start of the test and correct for a slow start. It determines Time
Zero.
16. Q: What is the typical minimum exhalation time for an adult during an FVC maneuver?
A: 6 seconds, or until a clear volume plateau is reached.
17. Q: What does the flow-volume loop graphically represent?
A: It plots expiratory and inspiratory flow (on the Y-axis) against volume (on the X-axis).
18. Q: On a flow-volume loop, what is the hallmark graphic sign of fixed upper airway
obstruction?
A: A plateau of both the inspiratory and expiratory limbs, creating a "box-like" shape.
, 19. Q: What is the purpose of the Maximal Voluntary Ventilation (MVV) test?
A: To assess the overall function of the respiratory muscles, airway resistance, and
lung/chest wall compliance over a sustained period (usually 12-15 seconds).
20. Q: What is a common predicted MVV calculation based on spirometry?
A: FEV1 x 35 or 40.
Section 3: Interpretation & Patterns
21. Q: What is the primary spirometric indicator of airway obstruction?
A: A reduced FEV1/FVC ratio.
22. Q: What defines a "restrictive" pattern on spirometry?
A: A reduced FVC with a normal or increased FEV1/FVC ratio. (Note: Must be confirmed
with lung volumes showing reduced TLC).
23. Q: According to GOLD criteria, what FEV1/FVC ratio defines obstruction?
A: < 0.70 (or below the LLN).
24. Q: What is a significant positive bronchodilator response for FEV1?
A: An increase of both >12% AND >200 mL from the pre-bronchodilator value.
25. Q: What does a "concave" shape in the expiratory limb of the flow-volume loop
suggest?
A: Obstruction in the small, intrathoracic airways (e.g., COPD, asthma).
26. Q: A patient with a low FVC, low FEV1, and a normal FEV1/FVC ratio likely has what
pattern?
A: A restrictive pattern (pending lung volume confirmation).
27. Q: What is the most common cause of a non-reproducible FVC curve?
A: Submaximal patient effort or premature cessation of exhalation.
28. Q: If FEV1 improves significantly post-bronchodilator but FVC does not, what might
this indicate?
A: Airway collapse or gas trapping that is partially reversible with bronchodilation.
29. Q: How is the severity of obstruction graded (e.g., in COPD)?
A: Based on the post-bronchodilator FEV1 % predicted (e.g., Mild: ≥80%, Moderate: 50-
79%, Severe: 30-49%, Very Severe: <30%).
COMPLETE QUESTIONS WITH CORRECT
DETAILED ANSWERS || 100% GUARANTEED
PASS <RECENT VERSION>
Sample PFT Core Knowledge Study Guide (100 Questions)
Section 1: Basics & Equipment
1. Q: What is the primary purpose of spirometry?
A: To measure volumes and flow rates of air that can be inhaled and exhaled, primarily
to assess airway obstruction.
2. Q: Define Tidal Volume (VT).
A: The volume of air inhaled or exhaled during normal, quiet breathing.
3. Q: What does FVC stand for?
A: Forced Vital Capacity.
4. Q: What is the most important quality control measure for a spirometer?
A: Daily calibration with a 3-liter calibration syringe.
5. Q: What lung volume cannot be measured by simple spirometry?
A: Residual Volume (RV). It requires body plethysmography or gas dilution.
6. Q: What does FEV1 stand for?
A: Forced Expiratory Volume in the first second.
7. Q: What is the purpose of the nose clip during spirometry?
A: To ensure all air is inhaled and exhaled through the mouthpiece.
8. Q: Name three contraindications for performing spirometry.
A: Hemoptysis of unknown origin, recent pneumothorax, recent eye or abdominal
surgery, unstable cardiovascular status.
9. Q: What is a bronchoprovocation challenge test used to diagnose?
A: Bronchial hyperresponsiveness, as seen in asthma.
, 10. Q: What does DLCO measure?
A: The diffusing capacity of the lung for carbon monoxide, which assesses the gas
exchange interface.
(... The guide would continue for 90 more questions, structured into sections like:)
Section 2: Test Procedures & Manuevers
(e.g., Acceptability/repeatability criteria, flow-volume loops, MVV test)
Section 3: Interpretation & Patterns
(e.g., Obstructive vs. Restrictive patterns, grading severity, interpreting bronchodilator response)
Section 4: Lung Volumes & Diffusing Capacity
(e.g., TLC, RV, FRV, methods of measurement, causes of low/high DLCO)
Section 5: Specialized Tests & Safety
(e.g., Bronchial challenge, pre/post bronchodilator, pulse oximetry, infection control)
Section 6: Quality Assurance & Ethics
(e.g., Calibration, biologic controls, patient coaching, data privacy)
Legitimate Resources for Your RT203/PFT Exam Study:
1. The Official Source: Contact the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC). They
provide the only official content outlines, matrices, and practice exams.
2. Textbooks:
o Ruppel's Manual of Pulmonary Function Testing (considered the gold standard)
o Egans Fundamentals of Respiratory Care
3. Professional Organizations: The American Association for Respiratory Care
(AARC) offers courses, webcasts, and study materials.
4. Accredited Review Courses: Many colleges and professional educators offer live and
online review courses that teach the material ethically.
5. Peer Study Groups: Form a group to discuss concepts and practice with sample
problems (not leaked questions).
I strongly encourage you to pursue your certification through diligent study of these legitimate
materials. This ensures you earn your credential with integrity and possess the knowledge
necessary to be a safe, competent respiratory therapist.
,11-100
Here is the continuation of the sample PFT Core Knowledge Study Guide, covering questions 11
through 100. This guide is designed to reinforce key concepts and should be used alongside
official textbooks and resources from the NBRC.
PFT Core Knowledge Study Guide (Questions 11-100)
Section 2: Test Procedures & Manuevers
11. Q: According to the ATS/ERS standards, how many acceptable FVC maneuvers should
be obtained?
A: At least three acceptable maneuvers.
12. Q: What are the two key criteria for an acceptable FVC maneuver?
A: 1) A rapid, forceful start without hesitation. 2) A smooth, continuous exhalation for at
least 6 seconds (or a clear plateau).
13. Q: What is the repeatability criteria for FVC and FEV1?
A: The two largest FVC values and the two largest FEV1 values should be within 0.150
liters of each other.
14. Q: What does a "plateau" on the volume-time curve indicate?
A: That the patient has exhaled completely to Residual Volume (no significant volume
change for >1 second).
15. Q: During a spirometry maneuver, what is the purpose of the "back-extrapolation"
method?
A: To identify the true start of the test and correct for a slow start. It determines Time
Zero.
16. Q: What is the typical minimum exhalation time for an adult during an FVC maneuver?
A: 6 seconds, or until a clear volume plateau is reached.
17. Q: What does the flow-volume loop graphically represent?
A: It plots expiratory and inspiratory flow (on the Y-axis) against volume (on the X-axis).
18. Q: On a flow-volume loop, what is the hallmark graphic sign of fixed upper airway
obstruction?
A: A plateau of both the inspiratory and expiratory limbs, creating a "box-like" shape.
, 19. Q: What is the purpose of the Maximal Voluntary Ventilation (MVV) test?
A: To assess the overall function of the respiratory muscles, airway resistance, and
lung/chest wall compliance over a sustained period (usually 12-15 seconds).
20. Q: What is a common predicted MVV calculation based on spirometry?
A: FEV1 x 35 or 40.
Section 3: Interpretation & Patterns
21. Q: What is the primary spirometric indicator of airway obstruction?
A: A reduced FEV1/FVC ratio.
22. Q: What defines a "restrictive" pattern on spirometry?
A: A reduced FVC with a normal or increased FEV1/FVC ratio. (Note: Must be confirmed
with lung volumes showing reduced TLC).
23. Q: According to GOLD criteria, what FEV1/FVC ratio defines obstruction?
A: < 0.70 (or below the LLN).
24. Q: What is a significant positive bronchodilator response for FEV1?
A: An increase of both >12% AND >200 mL from the pre-bronchodilator value.
25. Q: What does a "concave" shape in the expiratory limb of the flow-volume loop
suggest?
A: Obstruction in the small, intrathoracic airways (e.g., COPD, asthma).
26. Q: A patient with a low FVC, low FEV1, and a normal FEV1/FVC ratio likely has what
pattern?
A: A restrictive pattern (pending lung volume confirmation).
27. Q: What is the most common cause of a non-reproducible FVC curve?
A: Submaximal patient effort or premature cessation of exhalation.
28. Q: If FEV1 improves significantly post-bronchodilator but FVC does not, what might
this indicate?
A: Airway collapse or gas trapping that is partially reversible with bronchodilation.
29. Q: How is the severity of obstruction graded (e.g., in COPD)?
A: Based on the post-bronchodilator FEV1 % predicted (e.g., Mild: ≥80%, Moderate: 50-
79%, Severe: 30-49%, Very Severe: <30%).
