Pulmonary Function Testing

Question 1

What is an example of an effort dependent test?

Answer 1

Forced expiratory volumes/flow rates- Spirometry

Question 2

Two examples of effort independent tests?

Answer 2

• Relaxed vital capacity

- exhaled breath nitric oxide

Question 3

Two examples of gas diffusion tests?

Answer 3

• ABG

- SaO2 during exercise

Question 4

What changes occur to FEV1/FEV graph in asthma?

CHECK SLIDE 7

Answer 4

End point of curve the same
Steepness reduced because of Lower FEV1
FEV1 Reduced, FVC same
FEV1/FVC = less than 75%

Question 5

What changes occur to FEV1/FEV graph in COPD?

CHECK SLIDE 7

Answer 5

Whole curve shifts to the right and downwards.
Lower FEVE & FVC
Ratio is normal as both values affected

Question 6

What is a flow volume curve

Answer 6

Flow rate plotted against expiratory volume.
Changes
1. Volume dependent airway closure- asthma, bronchitis
2. Pressure dependent airway closure- emphysema

Question 7

What can be measured by using a flow volume curve?

Answer 7

Peak flow- tests vol of air expelled during maximal forced expiration

Question 8

Effect of COPD/Asthma on PEFR (peak flow rate)?

Answer 8

Lower

Question 9

What is the FEV1/FVC response to B2 agonist in asthma and COPD?

Answer 9

1. Ashthma: >15% improvement

2. COPD: <15% improvement

Question 10

Changes to FEV1,FVC,PEFR in restrictive disease?

Answer 10

Lower,lower, normal

Question 11

Response to B2 agonist on FEV1/FVC in DPLD?

Answer 11

None

Question 12

What are the 3 types of bronchial challenge testing?

Answer 12

1. Exercise
2. Mannitol/histamine- Markers of airway hyper-responsiveness
3. Allergy/chemicals- testing to diagnose occupational disease

Question 13

What is the effect of exercise testing on FEV1 & PEFR in asthma?

Answer 13

Lowers both

Question 14

What is monitored and seen to decrease in exercise testing in DPLD?

Answer 14

SaO2

Question 15

What happens to TLC in hyperinflation and in restrictive lung disease?

Answer 15

1. Hyperinflation (emphysema)- TLC increases

2. DPLD- TLC decreases

Question 16

What does TLCO measure?a

Answer 16

Amount of oxygen in the lungs that reaches the blood

Question 17

In what conditions are the TLCO reduced?

Answer 17

Emphysema, ILD, P oedema, P emboli, Bronchiectasis

Question 18

What do Plethysmography and impulse oscillometry check?

Answer 18

Airway resistance

Question 19

Why is the exhaled air NO test useful?

Answer 19

Marker for extent of eosinophilic inflammation in asthma