A patient is having a spirometry measurement done and asks the healthcare professional to explain this test. What response by the professional is best?
A)To evaluate the cause of hypoxia
B)To measure the volume and flow rate during forced expiration
C)To measure the gas diffusion rate at the alveolocapillary membrane
D)To determine pH and oxygen and carbon dioxide concentrations

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Spirometry measures volume and flow rate during forced expiration. The alveolar-arterial oxygen gradient is used to evaluate the cause of hypoxia. Diffusing capacity is a measure of the gas diffusion rate at the alveolocapillary membrane. Arterial blood gas analysis can be used to determine pH and oxygen and carbon dioxide concentrations.

A Patient Is Having a Spirometry Measurement Done and Asks