Pulmonary Function Tests Flashcards
What do pulmonary function tests (PFTs) measure?
How well the lungs work
What are two types of breathing required for pulmonary function tests?
Normal breathing and forced inhalation or exhalation
What are common respiratory symptoms that may warrant a pulmonary function test?
- Dyspnea
- Cough
- Cyanosis
- Wheezing
What is the purpose of pulmonary function tests?
- Look for evidence of respiratory disease
- Assess progression of lung disease
- Monitor treatment efficacy
- Evaluate pre-operative patients
- Monitor side effects of certain drugs
What does ERV stand for in lung volumes?
Expiratory reserve volume
What is the total lung capacity (TLC)?
The volume in the lungs at maximal inflation
What is vital capacity (VC)?
The volume of air breathed out after the deepest inhalation
What does FVC stand for?
Forced vital capacity
What is the FEV1/FVC ratio in normal patients?
About 80%
What does an FEV1/FVC less than 80% suggest?
Obstructive lung disease
What characterizes a restrictive lung disease pattern?
- Decreased TLC
- Decreased FEV1
- Decreased FVC
- Normal FEV1/FVC
- Low DLCO
What is DLCO?
Diffusion capacity for carbon monoxide
What is indicated by an increase in FEV1 by 12% following bronchodilator use?
Asthma
What are the stages of severity for COPD according to GOLD criteria?
- Stage 1: FEV1 80-100% predicted (Mild)
- Stage 2: FEV1 50-80% predicted (Moderate)
- Stage 3: FEV1 30-<50% predicted (Severe)
- Stage 4: FEV1 <30% predicted (Very severe)
What is the interpretation of FEV1/FVC ratio less than 70%?
Obstructive Pattern (COPD, Asthma)
What does TLC less than 80% indicate?
Restrictive disease
What does a TLC greater than 120% indicate?
Hyperinflation
What characterizes a PFT obstructive pattern?
- Decreased FEV1
- Normal or decreased FVC
- Decreased FEV1/FVC
Fill in the blank: The maximal volume of air that can be exhaled from the end-expiratory position is called _______.
Expiratory reserve volume
True or False: A restrictive pattern typically has a normal FEV1/FVC ratio.
True
What is the normal range for Total Lung Capacity (TLC)?
80-120% of predicted
