CRE Pulmonary Function Testing & Interpretation 3

Question 1

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

Accepted Answer

Small peripheral airways

Answer

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

Question 2

Inspiratory Capacity (IC) is calculated using which formula?

Accepted Answer

IC = TLC − FRC

Answer

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.

Question 3

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

Accepted Answer

Flattening of both inspiratory and expiratory limbs

Answer

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

Question 4

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

Accepted Answer

3

Answer

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

Question 5

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

Accepted Answer

150 mL

Answer

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.

(CRE) Certified Respiratory Educator Practice Test

(CRE) Certified Respiratory Educator Practice Test

CRE Pulmonary Function Testing & Interpretation 3