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

ATS/ERS guidelines require adults to exhale for a minimum of 6 seconds (or until a plateau is reached) to ensure complete emptying and an accurate FVC.

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

An acceptable start requires back-extrapolated volume (BEV) to be less than 5% of FVC or 150 mL, whichever is greater, confirming a sharp, maximal effort from the start.

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

ATS/ERS 2019 guidelines require the two highest acceptable FVC values to be within 150 mL to ensure reproducibility.

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

Coughing in the first second creates artifactual flow spikes that distort FEV1, making the maneuver unacceptable per ATS/ERS standards.

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 rounded rather than sharp PEF spike on the flow-volume loop indicates the patient did not generate a maximal, abrupt initial effort.

RPFT - Registered Pulmonary Function Technologist Practice Test

RPFT - Registered Pulmonary Function Technologist Practice Test

RPFT RPFT Spirometry Technique & Maneuver Acceptability