NBRC Pulmonary Function Testing 3

Question 1

The peak expiratory flow (PEF) is most effort-dependent and primarily reflects:

Accepted Answer

Large central airway caliber and effort

Answer

PEF is highly effort-dependent and reflects large central airway function; it is commonly used for asthma monitoring but is not a sensitive marker of small airway disease.

Question 2

FEF25-75% (mid-expiratory flow rate) is considered a sensitive marker for:

Accepted Answer

Small airway disease (early COPD)

Answer

FEF25-75% reflects flow rates in the mid-portion of the FVC maneuver, which is less effort-dependent and more sensitive to small airway obstruction.

Question 3

An adult patient has a TLC of 120% predicted, an FRC of 140% predicted, and a reduced FEV1/FVC ratio. These findings are consistent with:

Accepted Answer

Severe emphysema with air trapping

Answer

Elevated TLC, markedly elevated FRC (hyperinflation), and reduced FEV1/FVC ratio are classic features of severe emphysema with gas trapping.

Question 4

Which spirometric pattern is typically seen in a patient with severe scoliosis?

Accepted Answer

Restrictive pattern

Answer

Severe scoliosis restricts chest wall expansion, reducing lung volumes and producing a restrictive spirometric pattern with reduced FVC and TLC.

Question 5

During methacholine challenge testing, a positive result (PC20) is defined as a ≥20% fall in FEV1 at a concentration of methacholine at or below:

Accepted Answer

8 mg/mL

Answer

A PC20 ≤8 mg/mL is the traditional threshold for a positive methacholine challenge, indicating airway hyperresponsiveness consistent with asthma.

NBRC - National Board for Respiratory Care Practice Test

NBRC - National Board for Respiratory Care Practice Test

NBRC Pulmonary Function Testing 3