Certified Pulmonary Function Technologist (CPFT) Practice Exam

Which method is recommended to determine the best spiro trial?

1. Compare FEV1 with a reference value

2. Add both FVC and FEV1 together

3. Use the highest FEC value recorded

4. Evaluate the lowest peak flow rate

The correct answer is: Add both FVC and FEV1 together

The recommended method to determine the best spiro trial involves considering multiple factors related to the forced vital capacity (FVC) and forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1). The rationale behind combining FVC and FEV1 is that this approach provides a comprehensive view of the patient's lung function, allowing for a more accurate assessment of their respiratory health. When evaluating a spirogram, merging these two crucial measurements helps to capture the overall volume of air exhaled and the rate of airflow, which is essential in diagnosing conditions like asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). FVC reflects the total volume of air that can be forcibly exhaled after taking a deep breath, while FEV1 measures how much air can be expelled in the first second of that exhalation. By examining the combination of these figures, healthcare professionals can better determine the effectiveness of the patient's breathing patterns. In contrast, relying solely on individual reference values does not provide the same comprehensive understanding of the patient's lung function. Similarly, using the highest FVC value recorded or evaluating the lowest peak flow rate can lead to an incomplete picture of the patient's respiratory condition, as these metrics do not necessarily account for the dynamic and combined parameters of lung function that