CRE Data Analysis & Reporting 2

Question 1

A respiratory educator reviews spirometry data showing an FEV1/FVC ratio of 0.65 post-bronchodilator. How should this finding be classified?

Accepted Answer

Obstructive pattern

Answer

An FEV1/FVC ratio below 0.70 post-bronchodilator confirms obstructive airflow limitation per GOLD criteria.

Question 2

When analyzing peak flow variability data, a diurnal variation greater than what percentage is generally considered significant for asthma diagnosis?

Accepted Answer

20%

Answer

Peak flow diurnal variability greater than 20% is a significant indicator of airway instability consistent with asthma.

Question 3

A CRE is evaluating a patient's 6-minute walk test results over three visits. Distance decreased from 420m to 380m to 350m. What trend does this data suggest?

Accepted Answer

Progressive decline in exercise tolerance

Answer

A consistent decrease in 6MWT distance across serial measurements indicates progressive decline in functional exercise capacity.

Question 4

Which statistical measure is most appropriate to report when summarizing FEV1 percent predicted values across a heterogeneous patient population?

Accepted Answer

Median with interquartile range

Answer

Median with IQR is preferred for skewed or heterogeneous distributions, providing a more robust central tendency estimate.

Question 5

A pulmonary rehab program reports a 15% improvement in 6MWT distance. Which additional data point would best contextualize clinical significance?

Accepted Answer

Minimal clinically important difference (MCID)

Answer

The MCID for 6MWT (approximately 25-35m) determines whether a percentage change reflects a meaningful clinical benefit.

(CRE) Certified Respiratory Educator Practice Test

(CRE) Certified Respiratory Educator Practice Test

CRE Data Analysis & Reporting 2