RPFT RPFT Spirometry Technique & Maneuver Acceptability

Question 1

According to ATS/ERS criteria, what is the minimum exhalation duration required for an acceptable FVC maneuver in adults?

Accepted Answer

At least 6 seconds

Answer

At least 3 seconds

Answer

At least 10 seconds

Answer

At least 2 seconds

Question 2

Which criterion defines an acceptable spirometry start of test for an FVC maneuver?

Accepted Answer

Extrapolated volume less than 5% of FVC or 0.150 L, whichever is greater

Answer

Peak flow achieved within 0.5 seconds of exhalation start

Answer

No cough detected in the first 2 seconds

Answer

Back-extrapolated volume less than 10% of FVC

Question 3

What is the repeatability criterion for FVC when selecting the best two acceptable maneuvers?

Accepted Answer

The two largest FVC values must agree within 150 mL

Answer

The two largest FVC values must agree within 5% of the larger

Answer

The two largest FVC values must be identical

Answer

Repeatability within 200 mL is acceptable for all patients

Question 4

A patient coughs forcefully during the first second of an FVC maneuver. How should the RPFT grade this trial?

Accepted Answer

Unacceptable — cough during the first second may falsely alter FEV1

Answer

Acceptable if the rest of the curve looks normal

Answer

Acceptable because cough effort adds to expiratory flow

Answer

Unacceptable only if the cough is audible

Question 5

Which flow-volume loop feature most strongly suggests a patient's effort was submaximal at the start of a forced expiratory maneuver?

Accepted Answer

Rounded, blunted peak expiratory flow rather than a sharp spike

Answer

A plateau in the final 10% of exhalation

Answer

An elevated FEV1/FVC ratio

Answer

A scalloped appearance in the mid-expiratory portion

Question 6

How many acceptable FVC maneuvers must be obtained before testing can be considered complete?

Accepted Answer

A minimum of three acceptable maneuvers

Answer

Two acceptable maneuvers are sufficient

Answer

One acceptable maneuver if reproducible

Answer

Five maneuvers regardless of acceptability