NAECB Spirometry 2

Question 1

A patient's FEV1/FVC ratio is 0.65 and FVC is within normal limits. Which pattern does this indicate?

Accepted Answer

Obstructive pattern

Answer

An FEV1/FVC ratio below 0.70 with normal FVC indicates airflow obstruction (obstructive pattern).

Question 2

Which spirometry maneuver requires the patient to breathe in as deeply as possible and then exhale as forcefully and completely as possible?

Accepted Answer

Forced vital capacity (FVC)

Answer

The FVC maneuver requires maximal inhalation followed by a maximal forced exhalation to assess airflow dynamics.

Question 3

What does the Peak Expiratory Flow (PEF) primarily reflect in a spirometry test?

Accepted Answer

Large airway and effort-dependent flow

Answer

PEF reflects the function of large central airways and is highly effort-dependent, occurring in the first 100–120 ms of exhalation.

Question 4

A spirometry report shows FVC = 55% predicted and FEV1/FVC = 0.82. What is the most likely interpretation?

Accepted Answer

Restrictive pattern

Answer

Reduced FVC with a preserved or elevated FEV1/FVC ratio is the hallmark of a restrictive ventilatory pattern.

Question 5

Which of the following is the MOST important criterion for acceptability of a spirometry maneuver according to ATS/ERS guidelines?

Accepted Answer

Back-extrapolated volume < 150 mL or 5% of FVC

Answer

ATS/ERS acceptability criteria require the back-extrapolated volume to be less than 150 mL or 5% of FVC, confirming a sharp, valid start.

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