PFT Study Guide Questions and Answers
The instrument used primarily in PFT Correct Ans-Spirometer (for measuring routine
*flows* & *volumes*)
Standard equipment in a pulmonary function laboratory Correct Ans-- Spirometer
- Gas analyzer
- Body plethysmograph
What is the volume of air inhaled and exhaled during quiet breathing? Correct Ans-tidal
volume (Vt)
Normal minute ventilation of an average person at rest Correct Ans-4 to 12 L/min
(depending of the size of the pt.)
Why is proper coaching of the pt. during FVC maneuver extremely important? Correct Ans-
*ERRONEOUS FVC* test results
(most common)
Restrictive lung disorders reduce FVC by Correct Ans-shrinking the lung (decrease in lung
size)
, PFT Study Guide Questions and Answers
Obstructive lung disorders reduce FVC by Correct Ans-increase in RV (caused by air
trapping)
If measured FVC is significantly smaller than SVC, what is occurring? Correct Ans-air
trapping
What level of VC is associated with *increased risk of postoperative respiratory
complications*? Correct Ans-<20 ml/kg
(reduced VC)
What level of VC is associated with *increased risk of respiratory failure*? Correct Ans-<15
ml/kg
Purpose of performing pulmonary function tests (PFTs) Correct Ans-- Functional *status*
of the *lungs*
- *How MUCH & how FAST GAS* can be moved into and out of the lungs
- *Diffusion characteristics* of the alveolar-capillary membrane
*the tests can dx. lung diseases & measure the severity of the disease*
Contraindications include: Correct Ans-- pneumothorax (untreated)
- hemoptysis
- cardiovascular disease
The instrument used primarily in PFT Correct Ans-Spirometer (for measuring routine
*flows* & *volumes*)
Standard equipment in a pulmonary function laboratory Correct Ans-- Spirometer
- Gas analyzer
- Body plethysmograph
What is the volume of air inhaled and exhaled during quiet breathing? Correct Ans-tidal
volume (Vt)
Normal minute ventilation of an average person at rest Correct Ans-4 to 12 L/min
(depending of the size of the pt.)
Why is proper coaching of the pt. during FVC maneuver extremely important? Correct Ans-
*ERRONEOUS FVC* test results
(most common)
Restrictive lung disorders reduce FVC by Correct Ans-shrinking the lung (decrease in lung
size)
, PFT Study Guide Questions and Answers
Obstructive lung disorders reduce FVC by Correct Ans-increase in RV (caused by air
trapping)
If measured FVC is significantly smaller than SVC, what is occurring? Correct Ans-air
trapping
What level of VC is associated with *increased risk of postoperative respiratory
complications*? Correct Ans-<20 ml/kg
(reduced VC)
What level of VC is associated with *increased risk of respiratory failure*? Correct Ans-<15
ml/kg
Purpose of performing pulmonary function tests (PFTs) Correct Ans-- Functional *status*
of the *lungs*
- *How MUCH & how FAST GAS* can be moved into and out of the lungs
- *Diffusion characteristics* of the alveolar-capillary membrane
*the tests can dx. lung diseases & measure the severity of the disease*
Contraindications include: Correct Ans-- pneumothorax (untreated)
- hemoptysis
- cardiovascular disease
