The respiratory therapist is performing an exercise challenge for a child suspected of having exercise-induced bronchospasm. After 30 minutes of stopping exercise, the FEV₁ has decreased 15% from baseline. How should the therapist interpret this information?

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Most children are exercised until their heart rate reaches at least 170 beats per minute or more than 85% of the predicted maximum heart rate for their sex and age for 5 to 8 minutes. The FEV₁ is measured immediately and at 5-minute intervals for 20 to 30 minutes after exercise has stopped. A decrease in the FEV₁ of 15% or more from the pretest baseline indicates a positive response and exercise-induced bronchospasm (EIB).

The Respiratory Therapist Is Performing an Exercise Challenge for a Child