Question 1

Which of the following is the most common cause of erroneous forced vital capacity (FVC) test results?

Accepted Answer

Suboptimal coaching can lead to incorrect patient technique during the test, resulting in erroneous FVC results. Proper coaching ensures the patient performs the test correctly.

Question 2

A loss of elasticity of the lung tissue will cause the FRC to:

Accepted Answer

A loss of elasticity in lung tissue typically leads to an increase in Functional Residual Capacity (FRC) because the lungs are less able to recoil and expel air, resulting in more air remaining in the lungs after a normal exhalation.

Question 3

The total lung capacity (TLC) is a function of which of the following?
1) Age
2) Weight
3) Gender
4) Size

Accepted Answer

Total lung capacity is influenced by age, gender, and size (height/body size), as these factors affect lung development and capacity.

Question 4

Which of the following are considered general purposes of performing pulmonary function tests (PFTs)?
1) The functional status of the lungs
2) The diffusion characteristics of the alveolar-capillary membrane
3) How much and how fast gas can be moved into and out of the lungs
4) The specific diagnosis of pulmonary disease

Accepted Answer

Pulmonary function tests are generally used to assess the functional status of the lungs, the diffusion characteristics of the alveolar-capillary membrane, and how much and how fast gas can be moved into and out of the lungs. They are not typically used for the specific diagnosis of pulmonary disease.

Question 5

In which of the following diseases will the open-circuit nitrogen washout method tend to underestimate the total lung volume?

Accepted Answer

The open-circuit nitrogen washout method can underestimate total lung volume in emphysema due to air trapping and uneven distribution of ventilation, which prevents complete washout of nitrogen from all lung areas.

Question 6

The body plethysmograph uses which of the following gas laws?

Accepted Answer

The body plethysmograph primarily uses Boyle's law, which relates pressure and volume of a gas at constant temperature, to measure lung volumes.

Question 7

Which of the following are parameters that have been studied to establish normal values for PFTs?
1) Gender
2) Height
3) Race
4) Weight

Accepted Answer

Gender, height, and race are commonly studied parameters to establish normal values for Pulmonary Function Tests (PFTs) as they significantly influence lung volumes and capacities.

Question 8

The ERV is limited in clinical usefulness. It may be reduced in which of the following cases?
1) Obesity
2) Restrictive disorders
3) Obstructive disorders
4) Patients making a poor effort during testing

Accepted Answer

ERV (Expiratory Reserve Volume) may be reduced in obesity due to decreased lung volumes, in restrictive disorders due to limited lung expansion, and in patients making a poor effort during testing due to suboptimal performance.

Question 9

Which level of VC is associated with an increased risk of respiratory failure?

Accepted Answer

A VC of <15 mL/kg is associated with an increased risk of respiratory failure.

Question 10

What is the normal minute ventilation of an average person at rest?

Accepted Answer

The normal minute ventilation for an average person at rest is typically between 5 to 10 L/min.

Question 11

Which level of vital capacity (VC) is associated with an increased risk of postoperative respiratory complications?

Accepted Answer

A vital capacity of less than 20 mL/kg is associated with an increased risk of postoperative respiratory complications, as it indicates significantly reduced lung function.

Question 12

Which of the following factors has the greatest influence on lung size and predicted PFT values?

Accepted Answer

Height is the most significant factor influencing lung size and predicted pulmonary function test (PFT) values, as it directly correlates with lung volume and capacity.

Question 13

The closed-system helium dilution method is used to measure:

Accepted Answer

The closed-system helium dilution method is used to measure Functional Residual Capacity (FRC), which is the volume of air remaining in the lungs after a normal expiration.

Question 14

Which of the following associations' standards should be met before PFT equipment is purchased and used?

Accepted Answer

The American Thoracic Society (ATS) sets the standards and guidelines for pulmonary function testing (PFT) equipment to ensure accuracy and reliability in respiratory assessments.

Question 15

Which of the following typically decreases the FVC in a patient with an obstructive lung disorder?

Accepted Answer

In obstructive lung disorders, there is an increase in residual volume (RV) due to air trapping, which decreases the forced vital capacity (FVC) as the total amount of air that can be forcibly exhaled is reduced.

Question 16

Which of the following is considered standard equipment that is used in a pulmonary function laboratory?
1) Spirometer
2) Gas analyzer
3) Oxygen source
4) Body plethysmograph

Accepted Answer

A pulmonary function laboratory typically uses a spirometer, gas analyzer, and body plethysmograph to assess lung function. An oxygen source is not standard equipment for testing but may be used for patient care.

Question 17

What may cause the FVC to decrease in a patient with a restrictive lung disorder?

Accepted Answer

Restrictive lung disorders are characterized by a decrease in lung size or lung volume, which directly leads to a reduction in the Forced Vital Capacity (FVC).

Question 18

The presence of an FVC that is significantly smaller than the slow vital capacity (SVC) is consistent with:

Accepted Answer

Air trapping occurs when air is retained in the lungs due to obstructive lung disease, leading to a smaller FVC compared to SVC.

Question 19

Which of the following is considered the primary instrument used in performing PFTs?

Accepted Answer

A spirometer is the primary instrument used in performing Pulmonary Function Tests (PFTs) to measure lung function, specifically the volume and/or flow of air that can be inhaled and exhaled.

Question 20

The volume of air inhaled and exhaled during quiet breathing is known as the:

Accepted Answer

The tidal volume is the volume of air inhaled and exhaled during quiet breathing.

Quiz 9: Pulmonary Function Testing