Test on Pulmonary Function Tests: Diagnosis and Interpretation

Question 1: Spirometry is the method typically used first to obtain lung volumes in pulmonary function tests.

A. Ano

B. Ne

Explanation: The study materials state that lung volumes are usually obtained first via 'pmog graphy' (plethysmography), not spirometry.

Question 2: Spirometry primarily measures the Forced Vital Capacity (FVC) as its main value.

A. Ano

B. Ne

Explanation: Spirometry gives two main values: the amount of volume that expired at 1 second (FEV1) and the forced vital capacity. However, the study material explicitly states, "this is really the hitter this is the mac daddy of most of the kind of PFT tests and that's called Force by ometry... Now you get two values from this and then you can form a third one is you look at what was the amount of air or volume that expired on the y-axis at 1 second... This is called the Fe V one F V1." This implies FEV1 is presented as the primary value measured by spirometry in this context.

Question 3: During a spirometry test, what does the FEV1 (Forced Expiratory Volume in 1 second) measure?

A. The total volume of air a patient can exhale after a maximal inhalation.

B. The amount of air remaining in the lungs after a full expiration.

C. The amount of air that is forcefully expired in the first one second.

D. The maximum amount of air a patient can hold in their lungs.

Explanation: The study material states, 'You look at what was the amount of air or volume that expired on the y-axis at 1 second... this is called the Fe V one F V1.' Therefore, FEV1 measures the amount of air forcefully expired in the first one second during spirometry.

Question 4: Which of the following lung volumes are typically reduced in patients with restrictive lung diseases?

A. Residual Volume (RV)

B. Total Lung Capacity (TLC)

C. Functional Residual Capacity (FRC)

D. Inspiratory Reserve Volume (IRV)

Explanation: Patients with restrictive lung diseases have fibrotic, stiff lungs that do not expand well. Consequently, they have low residual volumes, reduced expiratory reserve volumes, and a reduced functional residual capacity. Their total lung capacity is also very small. Furthermore, their ability to take deep breaths, including inspiratory reserve volumes, is usually reduced, and they may not generate good tidal volumes.

Question 5: The DLCO test result for a patient with emphysema would typically be normal, similar to a patient with asthma.

A. Ano

B. Ne

Explanation: Emphysema decreases the surface area in the lungs due to alveolar septal destruction, which directly causes the DLCO to decrease. In contrast, asthma does not typically cause a decrease in surface area or a low DLCO; the DLCO would not be low in asthma.