Practice Test Geeks(CRE) Certified Respiratory Educator Practice Test
← All CRE Flashcard Decks

Pulmonary Function Testing & Interpretation Flashcards

7 cards from real CRE practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.

Read the first 7 Pulmonary Function Testing & Interpretation flashcards as text

  1. FEF25-75% (forced expiratory flow between 25% and 75% of FVC) primarily reflects the function of which airways?

    Answer: Small peripheral airways

    FEF25-75% is effort-independent and reflects airflow through the smaller, peripheral airways, making it an early and sensitive marker of small airway disease.

  2. Inspiratory Capacity (IC) is calculated using which formula?

    Answer: IC = TLC − FRC

    Inspiratory Capacity equals TLC minus FRC (IC = TLC − FRC), representing the maximum volume of air that can be inhaled from the resting end-expiratory lung volume.

  3. A fixed upper airway obstruction, such as tracheal stenosis, produces which characteristic pattern on the flow-volume loop?

    Answer: Flattening of both inspiratory and expiratory limbs

    Fixed obstructions limit airflow equally during inspiration and expiration, producing a plateau (flattening) on both limbs of the flow-volume loop.

  4. According to ATS/ERS spirometry quality criteria, what is the minimum number of acceptable maneuvers required to obtain reproducible results?

    Answer: 3

    ATS/ERS guidelines require at least 3 acceptable spirometry maneuvers to ensure reproducibility and that the patient's best effort has been captured.

  5. ATS/ERS reproducibility criteria require that the two largest FVC values from acceptable maneuvers differ by no more than how much?

    Answer: 150 mL

    ATS/ERS criteria specify that two acceptable FVC values must agree within 150 mL to confirm the test is reproducible and the best effort has been recorded.

  6. According to GOLD 2023 guidelines, which spirometric grade indicates mild COPD based on FEV1 percent predicted (post-bronchodilator)?

    Answer: FEV1 ≥80% predicted (GOLD 1)

    GOLD Grade 1 (Mild) COPD is defined by FEV1/FVC <0.70 with FEV1 ≥80% of predicted, indicating mild airflow limitation.

  7. Which finding on the volume-time curve of a spirometry maneuver indicates premature termination of effort?

    Answer: No volume plateau and forced expiratory time less than 6 seconds

    Premature termination is indicated when the volume-time curve fails to reach a plateau (volume change <25 mL over 1 second) before 6 seconds of exhalation, suggesting the full FVC was not obtained.