Review questions Flashcards
While performing a calibration sequence on a heated differential pressure pneumotachometer, a PF tech notices the flow patterns are reversed. Which of the following is the best explanation? A. The transducer is not zeroed. B. There is moisture in the lines. C. The amplifier gain is too low. D. The pressure tubes are switched.
D. The pressure tubes are switched.
The volume of gas remaining in the lung at the end of a maximal expiration is best defined as
->A. residual volume.
B. total lung capacity.
C. functional residual capacity.
D. tidal volume.
Which of the following methods can be used to measure static lung volumes?
A. 1 only
B. 2 only
->C. 2 and 3 only
D. 1 and 3 only
While performing a helium dilution test on 48-year-old female patient, the pulmonary function technologist records the following values:
Time (minutes) % Helium
- 0 8.97
- 0 7.55
- 0 6.97
- 0 6.81
- 5 6.81
- 0 6.80
Based on this information, the technologist should?
A. continue the test until equilibration has occurred.
->B. terminate the test.
C. repeat the test over a 10 minute period.
D. check for a leak in the system.
The pulmonary function technologist measures the MEP value for a patient complaining of generalized muscle weakness and records the following values:
Trial #1 – 58 cm H2O
Trial #2 – 62 cm H2O
Trial #3 – 50 cm H2O
These results are consistent with
->A. the patient’s symptoms.
B. pulmonary fibrosis.
C. normal lung function.
D. pulmonary edema.
A patient has a 50 pack-year smoking history and a measured COHb level of 12%. The patient’s measured diffusion capacity is 10 mL/CO/min/mm Hg. Which of the following is the most likely explanation for the DLCO value?
A. Decreased binding sites for CO
B. Increased capillary blood volume
C. High alveolar PCO2 values
->D. Back pressure created by COHB level
The pulmonary function technologist performs a mannitol challenge test on a 24-year-old patient with a history of intermittent asthma. The patient had a 16 % decrease in her measured FEV1 value with the test. The technologist should
A. continue the test until there is a 20% drop in the FEV1.
B. instruct the patient to perform an FVC maneuver.
C. administer an aerosolized SABA agent.
->D. administer a mixture of 5% CO2, 21% O2 and balance N2.
A patient in the ICU has a tracheostomy tube in place. The pulmonologist would like to measure the patient’s TLC value. The technologist determines that the patient is unable to perform the typical methods for testing and should suggest the measurement be obtained by
A. esophageal balloon.
B. Boyle’s law.
->C. radiologic estimate.
D. MIP measurement.
While performing the helium dilution method to measure a patient’s FRC, the technologist notes that the spirometer baseline volume is fluctuating. Which of the following best describes the cause of the drifting baseline?
A. Low pressure in the helium cylinder
B. The test was started at an incorrect volume
->C. Oxygen is being consumed by the patient
D. Deadspace in the breathing valve
While performing the helium dilution method to measure a patient’s FRC, the technologist should continue testing until
A. the patient rebreathes the helium concentration for a period of 7 minutes.
->B. the helium concentration changes by less than 0.02% over a 30 second interval.
C. the helium concentration begins to rise.
D. a consistent spirometer volume is obtained during the testing period.
The pulmonary function technologist is preparing for an FRC measurement using the helium dilution method. The technologist notices that the helium cylinder pressure is 50 psig. The technologist should
A. re-fill the cylinder to a pressure of 2200 psig.
B. proceed with the test.
->C. replace the cylinder with a full tank of helium.
D. decrease the flow from the cylinder during the test.
The pulmonary function technologist is preparing for FRC measurement using the nitrogen washout technique. As the patient starts the test, the nitrogen concentration steadily drops at a consistent rate. After 2 minutes of testing the following pattern is observed:
The technologist should conclude that
A. moisture entered the system during the test.
B. the patient has obstructive lung disease.
C. this is normal for N2 washout testing.
->D. the patient removed the mouthpiece during testing.
While performing FRC measurement utilizing the body box the pulmonary function technologist observes artifact on the monitor during testing. To correct the problem the technologist should instruct the patient to
A. exhale with more force during the next maneuver.
B. continue panting but at a faster frequency until told to stop
->C. place his hands on the sides of his face during the procedure.
D. remove the nose clips for the remainder of the test.
While performing a DLCO procedure on a 46-year-old patient, the recorded VC is 5.5 L from spirometry testing. During the DLCO procedure, the patient exhales to residual volume and quickly inhales to TLC while breathing a gas mixture of 0.3% CO, 10% He, 21% O2 and the balance N2. The patient’s inspired volume is measured at 4.4 L. The pulmonary function technologist should
->A. repeat the procedure until an inspired volume of at least 4.6 L is obtained.
B. accept the measured volume of 4.4 L and proceed with testing.
C. instruct the patient to begin the test at normal end expiration.
D. adjust the inhaled gas mixture to 0.5% CO.
The pulmonary physician has written an order for a single breath CO diffusion test on an 81-year-old patient with sarcoidosis. The patient arrives in the pulmonary lab and seems confused by the pulmonary function technologist’s instructions. The technologist should recommend
A. cancelling the test and contacting the physician.
->B. using the steady state technique.
C. using the intrabreath CO diffusion procedure.
D. application of the membrane diffusion coefficient factor.
