Spirometry:

what is the definition of spirometry?

to measure breath

what does spirometry specifically measure?

the speed of inhalation and exhalation

what kinds of diseases can spirometry be used to detect?

• asthma

• cystic fibrosis

• pulmonary fibrosis

• COPD

what are the 3 steps when using the spirometer to measure a patient’s vital capacity?

1. patient is asked to take the deepest breath they can and exhale into the sensor as hard as possible for at least 6 seconds

2. can be followed by a rapid inhalation (when assessing upper lung obstructions)

3. then proceeded by a period of quiet breathing in and out OR rapid breath in can come before quick exhalation in the sensor

what is the definition of residual volume?

air that always remains in the lungs after breathing out as hard as possible

what is resting tidal volume?

volume of air moved in and out of of the lungs with each breath when at rest

what is inspiratory reserve volume?

volume of air which can be inspired over and above a tidal inspiration

when is the inspiratory reserve volume used up?

when exercising

what is the expiratory reserve volume

maximum volume of air which can be forcibly expired after tidal expirations

what is vital capacity?

largest volume of air that can be moved in and out of the lungs in one breath

what is the formula which includes vital capacity, tidal volume, expiratory volume & inspiratory reserve volume

vital capacity = tidal volume + expiratory volume + inspiratory volume

what is the equation including tidal volume, breathing rate and minute ventilation?

tidal volume x breathing rate (per minute) = minute ventilation

how is CO2 removed from the spirometer when measuring oxygen consumption?

soda lime removes the CO2

what should happen to the volume of gas when measure oxygen consumption?

volume of gas decreases

what is the decrease of volume of gas equivalent to?

decrease in volume of gas = oxygen consumption

what is done with the graph results of oxygen comsumption?

calculate the gradient of the oxygen consumption

what could make the gradient of oxygen consumption steeper?

when doing exercise

what is the average force vital capacity for males and females

males: 4.8 L

Females: 3.7L

what is the average tidal volume for males and females?

males: 500 ml

females: 390 ml

what is the total lung capacity average for males and females?

males: 6.0L

females: 4.7L