NBRC Pulmonary Function Testing

Question 1

Spirometry is primarily used to detect and quantify:

Accepted Answer

Obstructive and restrictive ventilatory defects

Answer

Spirometry measures airflow and lung volumes, allowing classification of ventilatory defects as obstructive, restrictive, or mixed.

Question 2

An FEV1/FVC ratio below 70% (or below the lower limit of normal) indicates:

Accepted Answer

Obstructive lung disease

Answer

A reduced FEV1/FVC ratio is the hallmark of obstructive lung disease, indicating impaired expiratory airflow relative to total lung capacity.

Question 3

In restrictive lung disease, spirometry typically shows:

Accepted Answer

Proportionally reduced FEV1 and FVC with a normal or elevated FEV1/FVC ratio

Answer

Restriction reduces overall lung volumes including FVC, but because both FEV1 and FVC decrease proportionally, the FEV1/FVC ratio is preserved or elevated.

Question 4

The DLCO (diffusing capacity for carbon monoxide) is reduced in which condition?

Accepted Answer

Emphysema

Answer

Emphysema destroys alveolar walls and pulmonary capillaries, reducing the surface area available for gas diffusion and lowering DLCO.

Question 5

Body plethysmography is used to measure which lung volume that spirometry cannot directly assess?

Accepted Answer

Residual volume

Answer

Residual volume (RV) cannot be measured by spirometry because it remains in the lungs after maximal exhalation; body plethysmography or gas dilution techniques are required.

NBRC - National Board for Respiratory Care Practice Test

NBRC - National Board for Respiratory Care Practice Test

NBRC Pulmonary Function Testing