Q2 ch 4 RC 110

Pulmonary Function Tests (PFTs)

Studies used to evaluate pulmonary causes of dyspnea, differentiate between obstructive and restrictive pulmonary disorders, assess severity of impairment, and evaluate therapy effectiveness.

Tidal Volume

The volume of gas that normally moves in and out of the lungs in one quiet breath.

Inspiratory Reserve Volume (IRV)

The volume of air that can be forcefully inspired after a normal tidal volume.

Expiratory Reserve Volume (ERV)

The volume of air that can be forcefully exhaled after a normal tidal volume.

Residual Volume (RV)

The amount of air remaining in the lungs after forced exhalation.

Vital Capacity (VC)

The total amount of air that can be expelled after maximal inspiration, equal to IRV + tidal volume + ERV.

Functional Residual Capacity (FRC)

The volume of air remaining in the lungs after a normal tidal volume expiration, equal to ERV + RV.

Total Lung Capacity (TLC)

The maximum amount of air that the lungs can hold, equal to VC + RV.

Restrictive Lung Disorders

Conditions that decrease lung compliance, leading to a reduction in lung volumes and capacities.

Obstructive Lung Disorders

Conditions, such as COPD, that obstruct airflow, resulting in air trapping and increased residual volume.

Forced Vital Capacity (FVC)

The total volume of gas that can be exhaled forcefully and rapidly after maximal inspiration.

Forced Expiratory Volume in 1 Second (FEV1)

The maximum volume of air that can be exhaled in one second, used to assess lung function.

DLCO

Diffusion capacity of carbon monoxide through the alveolar capillary membrane, used to assess gas exchange efficiency.

Maximum Inspiratory Pressure (MIP)

The maximum pressure generated during inhalation against a closed airway, indicating respiratory muscle strength.

Maximum Expiratory Pressure (MEP)

The highest pressure generated during a forceful exhalation effort against an occluded airway.

Cardiopulmonary Exercise Testing

Exercise tests to assess the integrated response of the cardiovascular and respiratory systems during physical activity.

Bronchodilator Response

Assessment of reversibility in airway obstruction, indicated by a significant increase in FEV1 or FVC after bronchodilator administration.

Peak Expiratory Flow Rate (PEFR)

The maximum flow rate generated during forced expiration, used to monitor asthma and respiratory conditions.

Spirometry

A common pulmonary function test used to measure airflow and the volume of air inhaled and exhaled.

Flow Volume Loop

A graphical representation of airflow and volume during inhalation and exhalation; used to evaluate lung function.

Green Zone (Peak Flow)

Indicates 80-100% of normal peak flow; no action needed.

Yellow Zone (Peak Flow)

Indicates 50-80% of normal peak flow; caution required, may need medication.

Red Zone (Peak Flow)

Indicates <50% of normal peak flow; medical attention needed immediately.

Helium Dilution Test

A method used to indirectly measure residual volume by inhaling helium and measuring its dilution in the lungs.

Nitrogen Washout Test

A method used to measure functional residual capacity by determining the amount of nitrogen exhaled over time.

Body Plethysmography

A technique that measures lung volumes by changes in pressure while the patient breathes in a sealed chamber.

Airway Resistance

The resistance to airflow in the respiratory airways, commonly assessed in lung function testing.

Minute Ventilation

The total volume of air inhaled or exhaled in one minute.

Six-Minute Walk Test

A simple tests to measure the distance a patient can walk swiftly on a flat, hard surface in six minutes.