Assignment

Learning Objectives Covered:

1. Identify spirometry equipment and testing techniques used to perform pulmonary function testing.
2. Recognize normal and abnormal spirometry results.

Media

Make sure you review the media for week four before beginning your work this week.

Background

Pulmonary function testing is a great tool that can provide valuable diagnostic and treatment information about the respiratory system. Various measurements are available to aid in the diagnosis and assessment of pulmonary diseases; determine the need for therapy; and evaluate the effectiveness of respiratory care. For respiratory therapists, knowledge of these tests and the ability to interpret the measurements are essential for assessing patients objectively and for planning and implementing effective patient care.

Prompt

Provide detailed responses to the following:

1. Pulmonary function tests measure lung functions in many ways. Define the following terms:

1. Tidal volume (VT)
2. Minute volume (MV)
3. Vital capacity (VC)
4. Forced vital capacity (FVC)
5. Forced expiratory volume (FEV)
6. Forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1)
7. Flow volume loop
8. Total lung capacity (TLC)
9. Peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR)

2. What is the FEV1% and what does it tell us about the patient's pulmonary status in the presence of a decreased FEV1?

3. Which measure of pulmonary function is the most definitive in distinguishing a pulmonary restrictive disorder from an obstructive disorder and why?

4. A patient's bedside spirometry results (as compared to normal) are as follows:

• FVC decreased
• FEV1 normal
• FEV1% increased.

What is the most likely general diagnosis?

Submit your answers in at least 500 words on a Word document. You must cite at least three references in APA format to defend and support your position.