Certified Pulmonary Function Technologist (CPFT) Practice Exam

What technique is recommended if a patient struggles to follow instructions for single breath DLCO?

1. Use of a mouthpiece

2. Instruct patient to breathe normally

3. Utilize the steady state technique

4. Delay the procedure

The correct answer is: Utilize the steady state technique

The steady state technique is recommended for patients who have difficulty following instructions for the single breath diffusing capacity (DLCO) test. This approach allows patients to achieve a more consistent and controlled breathing pattern, which can help mitigate issues stemming from anxiety, misunderstanding of instructions, or physical limitations. In this technique, patients breathe in a gas mixture containing a small amount of carbon monoxide at a steady rate rather than attempting a rapid single breath. This method can help ensure that the patient maintains the appropriate lung volume and improves the reliability of the results. The steady state technique is particularly useful in clinical settings where patient cooperation is variable, ensuring that more accurate assessments of lung function can be made. Understanding alternative methods, such as using a mouthpiece or delaying the procedure, while relevant to patient comfort and specific scenarios, do not directly address the challenge of following the single breath DLCO instruction. Instructing the patient to breathe normally might lead to inconsistent results, as the goal is to measure the diffusing capacity in a controlled manner. Thus, by utilizing the steady state technique, the technician can achieve better compliance and generate more valid test results.