NAECB Spirometry 5

Question 1

A patient with neuromuscular disease shows reduced FVC in both upright and supine positions with no change in ratio. What pattern is expected?

Accepted Answer

Restrictive pattern due to respiratory muscle weakness

Answer

Neuromuscular disease impairs respiratory muscles, leading to reduced FVC and a preserved FEV1/FVC ratio — a classic restrictive pattern.

Question 2

Which of the following spirometry findings is most consistent with a mixed obstructive-restrictive pattern?

Accepted Answer

Low FEV1/FVC with reduced FVC

Answer

A mixed pattern shows both a low FEV1/FVC ratio (obstruction) and a reduced FVC (restriction), though full classification requires lung volume measurement.

Question 3

For spirometry quality assurance, how often should a 3-liter calibration syringe check be performed at minimum?

Accepted Answer

Each day of use

Answer

ATS/ERS guidelines recommend that volume calibration be verified each day the spirometer is used to ensure ongoing accuracy.

Question 4

A 45-year-old patient with obesity has FVC at 78% predicted and FEV1/FVC of 0.80. What is the most appropriate next step?

Accepted Answer

Consider full lung volume testing to confirm restriction

Answer

FVC below the LLN with normal FEV1/FVC suggests restriction, but spirometry alone cannot confirm it — full lung volumes (TLC) are needed to distinguish true restriction from other causes of reduced FVC.

Question 5

Which statement about the Inspiratory Capacity (IC) measured during spirometry is correct?

Accepted Answer

IC is the volume inhaled from tidal end-expiration to TLC

Answer

IC is the volume of air that can be inhaled from the end-expiratory resting position (FRC) up to total lung capacity (TLC).

NAECB Exam Practice Test

NAECB Exam Practice Test

NAECB Spirometry 5