pulmonary exams + procedures

Question 1

spirometry/pulmonary function testing (PFT)

Question 2

bronchoscopy

Answer 2

• flexible tube is passed through mouth -> trachea -> bronchi
• ex. persistent cough/infection/unusual x-ray

Question 3

magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)

Answer 3

noninvasive diagnostic scan to render images of tissues

Question 4

chest CT

Answer 4

computerized tomography takes images of lungs in cross-sections
(computer rotates around the body)

Question 5

what is peak flow testing?

Answer 5

• self test used to monitor lung function
• measures forced expiratory volume and rate of air that can be exhaled forcefully
• ex. asthma management

Question 6

what is spirometry testing?

Answer 6

• automated test w/ graphic result
• measures lung function (how much air goes into + out/speed + force of breaths)
• ex. COPD, asthma

Question 7

patient instruction for conducting peak flow meter

Answer 7

1. nonrestrictive clothing
2. begin w/ marker at BOTTOM of meter scale
3. sit upright or standing
4. take a deep breath and forcefully blow out quickly while mouth is wrapped around mouthpiece
5. record # where marker lands at the end of test
6. reset marker + repeat test 2-3x

Question 8

patient instruction for conducting spirometry testing

Answer 8

1. no large meals 2 hrs prior/no smoking 1 hr prior/no bronchodilators 6 hrs prior
2. nonrestrictive clothing
3. sit upright or stand
4. purse lips around mouthpiece + attach clip to the nose
5. lift chin slightly + extend neck (reduce breathing resistance)
6. breathe in and out
7. perform 2-3x w/ breaks without nose clip in between

Question 9

obstructive sleep apnea (OSA)

Answer 9

• when muscles in the throat relax excessively during sleep (ex. loud snoring/choking in sleep/daytime sleepy)
• partial/complete blockage of airways
• can lead to hypertension/stroke/memory + cardiac problems

Question 10

nebulizers

Answer 10

units that transform liquid medication into aerosol mist to be inhaled through mouthpiece or face mask (ex. bronchodilators/anticholinergics)

Question 11

inhalers

Answer 11

• handheld portable devices that deliver medication directly to lungs
• ex. metered-dose (MDI), dry powder inhalers

Question 12

hypoxemia

Answer 12

inadequate blood oxygenation (below 95% oxygen saturation)

Question 13

sputtering

Answer 13

inconsistent nebulizing at the end of the therapy with most concentrated medication
- use nebulizer til the end of sputtering

Question 14

normal peak flow rates

Answer 14

adults: 400-700 L/m
children: 150-400 L/m