Pulmonary Function Tests

Question 1

Total Lung Capacity (TLC)

Answer 1

○ Volume of air in the lungs after maximal effort inspiration; the sum of all volumes
○ 6000ml
= RV + VC

Question 2

Tidal Volume (TV)

Answer 2

○ Volume of air normally inhaled or exhaled with each breath during resting, quiet breathing
○ 500mL

Question 3

Inspiratory reserve volume (IRV)

Answer 3

○ Volume of air that can be inhaled with maximal effort from the tidal end-inspiratory level
○ 3100mL

Question 4

Expiratory reserve volume (ERV)

Answer 4

○ Volume of air that can be exhaled with maximal effort from a resting (tidal) end-expiratory level
1200mL

Question 5

Residual Volume (RV)

Answer 5

○ Volume of air remaining in the lung after a maximal-effort expiration
○ 1200mL

Question 6

Inspiratory Capacity (IC)

Answer 6

Volume of air that can be inhaled with maximal effort from the resting end-expiratory level
○ 3600mL

Question 7

Functional Residual Capacity (FRC)

Answer 7

○ Volume of gas remaining in the lung at the end of a normal tidal exhalation (relaxed ventilatory muscles); sum of ERV and RV
○ 2400mL

Question 8

Vital Capacity (VC)

Answer 8

○ Maximum volume of air that can be exhaled after a maximal-effort inspiration; sum of IRV, TV, and ERV
○ 4800mL

Question 9

Spirometry contraindications

Answer 9

• Haemoptysis of unknown origin -> aggravate condition
• Pneumothorax
• Thoracic/abdominal/cerebral aneurism - rupture
• Nausea/vomiting
• Respiratory distress
• Recent eye surgery (6/52) - increase intrathoracic pressure
• Physical limitations
Cognitive impairment

Question 10

interpret: Reduced FEV1, preserved FVC, reduced FER

Answer 10

obstruction

Question 11

interpret: Reduced FEV1, reduced FVC, preserved FER

Answer 11

restriction

Question 12

interpret: Reduced FEV1, reduced FVC, reduced FER

Answer 12

mixed obstruction & restriction