Pfts (spirometry) Flashcards
Examples of pulmonary function tests
Spirometry or lung function tests, they are measurements of breathing, you may have to carry out the test, as a physio you need to be able to interpret the results in context to management
What does spirometry tell us
Means the measuring of breath The most common PFT, shows abnormalities in lung function, isn’t disease specific, static lung volumes, how much air the lungs can hold, dynamic lung volumes- flow of air through airways, how fast that volume of air can be moved
Indications for pft use
Diagnostic- evaluate symptoms, signs or previous abnormal results, measure effect of disease on pulmonary function, screen at risk groups
Monitoring- assess therapeutic intervention on lung function, monitor adverse reactions to drugs, assess potential exposures
Disability- assess impairment or disability from lung disease, assess risks as part of insurance evaluation
Contraindications of PFT
Pneumothorax, aneurysm, myocardial infarction, unstable angina, CVS, cerebral instability, recent surgery
How does air flow set the system in motion
As you move air into the lungs you have to overcome resistance, airway and tissue resistance
What factors affect airway resistance
Types of airflow, lung volume, elastic recoil, bronchial smooth muscle tone, airway obstructions
What’s measured
forced vital capacity- volume expire forcefully until residual volume reached
Forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1)- the volume of air a subject can exhale in the first second of a maximal breath out
FEV1/FVC- looks at the amount expelled within the 1st second compared with overAll volume achieved
What’s the spirometry procedure
Sit upright, after a relaxed breath out, take maximal breath in, seal lips around mouth piece and blow out, an acceptable Spirogram demonstrates- quick ans forceful exhalation, no coughing, smooth lines on graph, minimum exhalation of 6 seconds with no change in volume in last second
