Spirometry Techniques

Question 1

What must a basic spirometer be able to test?

Answer 1

Flow rate and volume

Question 2

2 steps that accomplish basic spirometry.

Answer 2

1. The person inhales fully to total lung capacity

2. The person exhales rapidly and forcefully over a period of time.

Question 3

What are the three prerequisites for a valid spirometry program?

Answer 3

• standardized methodology for performance and calculation of tests
• technician competence
• minimum instrument performance standards

Question 4

When does invalid spirometry results occur?

Answer 4

If the testing is done incorrectly, equipment is inaccurate or the results are misinterpreted.

Question 5

How long should a spirometry test be postponed for after smoking, using a bronchodilator or eating a heavy meal?

Answer 5

1 hour

Question 6

How long should a spirometry test be postponed for after recovering from an illness that lasted three weeks or less?

Answer 6

3 days

Question 7

How long should a spirometry test be postponed for after a severe respiratory illness or ear infection?

Answer 7

Three weeks

Question 8

How long should a spirometry test be postponed for after eye, ear, chest or abdominal surgery?

Answer 8

Six or more weeks - unless a surgeon provides a release statment

Question 9

ATS/ERS suggests testing should not be performed when:

Answer 9

• Myocardial infarction within the past month
• chest or abdominal pain
• oral/facial pain that is aggravated by the mouthpiece
• stress incontinence
• dementia/confusion

Question 10

What is not listed as a contraindication?

Answer 10

Hypertension - but a BP check should be performed to rule out severe hypertension (200/120)

Question 11

What position should testing be done in?

Answer 11

Can sit or stand - should record position

Question 12

Standing is recommended based on what reasoning?

Answer 12

• Most workers are healthy enough to stand for testing
• Slightly larger lung volumes are recorded while standing
• Obese or excess weight at midsection often take deeper breaths and exhale larger volumes when in standing

Question 13

When using standing positions what precautions should be in place?

Answer 13

• Sturdy chair behind without wheels
• Watch the worked during the test for light headedness
• Place a hand on the worker’s arm or back if needed to steady them.
• Stop the test if any signs of distress are observed.

Question 14

Tell

Answer 14

Explain how to do the test

Question 15

Demonstrate

Answer 15

Show proper technique

Question 16

Coach

Answer 16

Keep going, almost there

Question 17

3 steps for accurate tests

Answer 17

1. Maximal inhalation
2. Blast out as fast and hard as you can
3. Continue to exhale that 1 breath until it has been fully recorded

Question 18

How many acceptable tracings to be considered valid?

Answer 18

Three

Question 19

Acceptable tracings have what 4 things?

Answer 19

1. Maximal inhalations
2. Hard initial blasts
3. Complere exhalations
   4 maximal effort through the maneuvers

Question 20

The two largest FVCs or FEV1s should not vary by more than ____ ml

Answer 20

150

Question 21

How many tracings can be performed?

Answer 21

Eight

Question 22

What is the optimal exhalation time?

Answer 22

6-10 seconds

Question 23

What is the difference between open circuit and closed circuit testing?

Answer 23

Closed circuit testing establishes tidal breathing pattern before the forced expiratory maneuver (done by normal breathing)

Question 24

Results for health assessments for certain exposures should be kept for not less than how many years?

Answer 24

30 years

Question 25

Calibration checks should be done
1
2.
3.
4.

Answer 25

1. in the same environment the workers will be tested in.
2. Daily when workers are to be tested
3. when equipment is relocated or changed
4. before the first test and every 4 hours if testing large quantities

Question 26

Ats/ers recommends what three speeds for calibration checks?

Answer 26

0.5s (6 l/s), 3s (1 l/s), 6s (0.5 l/s)

Question 27

Calibration should read plus or minus what percent of 3 L?

Answer 27

3.5 percent