Ch. 3 Flashcards
What is TLC?
volume of gas that remains in the lungs after maximal inspiration
What is TLC used for?
To diagnose restriction, air trapping, and hyperinflation
What is RV?
The amount of gas that remains in the lungs at the end of maximal expiration
What is FRC?
Volume of gas remaining in the lungs after maximal breath
What’s the formula for FRC?
FRC = ERV+RV
What is the RV/TLC fraction? What must it be expressed as?
Amount of TLC that cannot be exhaled; a percentage
What does an inc. in the RV/TLC fraction indicate?
Hyperinflation or air trapping
The RV cannot be measured _______?
Directly
What are the 3 methods used for RV?
• helium dilution
• nitrogen washout
• body box
What is the He dilution method?
• Closed circuit system
• Measures 10% of helium
• Source of O2
• Volume based spirometer
• He analyzer (must be calibrated)
• CO2 & H2O absorber
What does He dilution measure?
FRC and estimates lung volumes
The helium is _______ until _______ is reached?
Diluted; equilibrium
Helium ______Vt & TLC
Underestimates
What is the nitrogen washout?
• open circuit system
• Pneumotachometer
• nitrogen analyzers & 100% O2
• pt is given 100% O2
• pt continues to rebreathe 100% O2
What does an inc in N2 mean?
You have leak
What does the N2 washout measure?
Flow rate of gases during breathing
How long must you wait before you can retest for N2 washout?
15 min
How long does the test take in healthy lungs?
3-4 (up to 7-8) mins
What does the body box measure?
• FRC & thoracic gas volume
• Gas in thorax
What is the body box based on?
Boyle’s law
What is Boyle’s law?
A volume of gas varies inversely w/pressure when temp is constant
What are the 2 types of body boxes?
• flow based
• constant volume (pressure type)