NBRC Pulmonary Function Testing 2

Question 1

The flow-volume loop in a patient with a fixed upper airway obstruction shows:

Accepted Answer

Flattening of both the inspiratory and expiratory limbs

Answer

Normal inspiratory and expiratory curves

Answer

Flattening of the inspiratory limb only

Answer

Flattening of the expiratory limb only

Question 2

A variable extrathoracic obstruction (e.g., vocal cord dysfunction during inspiration) flattens which portion of the flow-volume loop?

Accepted Answer

Inspiratory limb

Answer

Expiratory limb

Answer

Both limbs equally

Answer

Peak expiratory flow

Question 3

The maximum voluntary ventilation (MVV) test measures:

Accepted Answer

The maximum volume breathed in and out over 12–15 seconds, extrapolated to one minute

Answer

Resting tidal volume over one minute

Answer

Forced vital capacity repeated three times

Answer

Inspiratory capacity during maximal effort

Question 4

Which PFT finding is most consistent with pulmonary fibrosis?

Accepted Answer

Reduced TLC, reduced FVC, normal or elevated FEV1/FVC, reduced DLCO

Answer

Increased TLC, increased RV, reduced FEV1/FVC

Answer

Normal TLC, reduced FEV1/FVC, increased RV

Answer

Increased DLCO, normal TLC, reduced FVC

Question 5

Nitrogen washout and helium dilution are techniques used to measure:

Accepted Answer

Functional residual capacity (FRC)

Answer

Airway resistance

Answer

Peak expiratory flow rate

Answer

Oxygen consumption

Question 6

Acceptable spirometry requires that the technician ensure the patient performs a maneuver that is:

Accepted Answer

Repeatable within 150 mL for the two best FVC and FEV1 values

Answer

Of any duration as long as effort is present

Answer

Performed seated or standing only

Answer

Completed in under 3 seconds