NR 507 Pulmonary System & Function (Questions with 100% complete solutions)

Abbreviations: correct answers -FVC / Forced Vital Capacity -FEV1 / Forced Expiratory Volume in One Second -TLC / Total Lung Capacity -RV / Residual Volume -DLCO / Diffusion Capacity for Carbon Monoxide -BD / Bronchodilator Mechanics of Respiration: Pulmonary Function Tests correct answers Pulmonary function tests (PFTs) are non-invasive tests that provide information about lung function. PFTs alone cannot differentiate among the causes of respiratory abnormalities. Therefore, the patient's history, physical exam and other diagnostics must be considered when making a diagnosis. The PFT can help the NP determine the patient's respiratory pattern, specifically if the abnormality is due to an obstructive or restrictive problem. Once the pattern is identified, PFTs allow the NP to determine the severity of the disease. This data combined with other patient findings, leads to a diagnosis. There are some indications to help the NP to determine when to order PFTs: correct answers 1. When signs and symptoms of a respiratory problem require evaluation (cough, dyspnea, cyanosis, wheezing, hypoxemia, hypercapnia, and lung hyperinflation). 2. When disease progression needs to be determined. 3. When monitoring the effectiveness of drug therapy. 4. When monitoring for potential toxic effects of certain drugs. Components of a Pulmonary Function Tests Spirometry correct answers Spirometry: This measures air movement in and out of the lungs during various respiratory maneuvers. The NP can also determine how much air the patient is breathing in and out and how fast the patient is doing it. Think about the respiratory cycle in terms of lung volume and lung capacities. The capacity is just simply the sum of one of more volumes. There are three important measures on which the NP focuses when reviewing spirometry results: There are three important measures on which the NP focuses when reviewing spirometry results: 1.) FVC correct answers Measure Forced Vital Capacity (FVC); Normal 80-120%