Flashcards on Forced Spirometry: Diagnosis of Lung Disorders
Forced Spirometry: Diagnosis of Lung Disorders - Student Guide
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Spirometry and Pulmonary Function
9 cards
Card 1
Question: What do FEV1 and FVC measure in spirometry?
Answer: FEV1 measures the volume of air exhaled in the first second (forced expiratory volume in 1 second). FVC (forced vital capacity) is the total volume of
Card 2
Question: How is the FEV1/FVC ratio calculated, and what does an increase or decrease in this ratio indicate?
Answer: The ratio is FEV1 divided by FVC. If FEV1 decreases more than FVC, the ratio decreases (typical for obstruction). If FVC decreases more than FEV1, the
Card 3
Question: What spirometric pattern or threshold is mentioned in the text as typical for restrictive disorders?
Answer: Restrictive disorders typically have an FEV1/FVC ratio > 80% (because FVC decreases more than FEV1).
Card 4
Question: In spirometry, what does the curve look like in an obstructive disorder (what happens to FEV1 and FVC)?
Answer: In obstruction (e.g., emphysema), FEV1 is significantly reduced, FVC may also decrease, but the FEV1/FVC ratio diminishes. The curve shows a lower poi
Card 5
Question: What does the curve look like in a restrictive disorder, and which value is primarily reduced?
Answer: In restriction, FVC is primarily reduced (overall smaller volume), FEV1 may decrease less or be relatively preserved, so the FEV1/FVC ratio is increas
Card 6
Question: Why does FEV1 decrease in emphysema (obstruction), and how are lung elasticity and compliance related?
Answer: Emphysema destroys the elastic tissue of the lungs, reducing elasticity (recoil) and increasing compliance. The lungs expand easily but struggle to re
Card 7
Question: Why does FVC decrease in restrictive diseases (e.g., pulmonary fibrosis/interstitial lung diseases), and how do elasticity and compliance change?
Answer: Fibrosis increases lung elasticity (stiffness) and decreases compliance; the lungs struggle to expand, leading to a smaller inhaled volume and thus lo
Card 8
Question: What diseases are given as examples of restrictive disorders in the text?
Answer: Interstitial lung diseases (pneumonitis), pulmonary fibrosis, and also a note that lung aging can resemble fibrosis.
Card 9
Question: How does a change in one of the values (FEV1 or FVC) mathematically affect the FEV1/FVC ratio?
Answer: If the denominator decreases (FVC numerically decreases), the ratio (FEV1/FVC) increases; if the numerator decreases (FEV1 decreases), the ratio decre