Pulmonary Function Tests (PFT) –
Q&A
What is the primary function of the lungs? ✔ Ans - 1.
Oxygenation of mixed venous blood.
2. Removal of carbon dioxide from mixed venous blood.
Primary function depends on the integrity of 4 things: ✔ Ans
- 1. Airway
2. Pulmonary vasculature
3. Respiratory muscles
4. Respiratory control mechanism
PFTs help determine 7 things: ✔ Ans - 1. Presence of
disease or abnormal lung function.
2. Extent of dysfunction.
3. Extent of impairment/disability
4. Progression of disease.
5. Nature of physiological disturbance.
6. Effect or course of therapy.
7. Aid clinical prognosis.
Common PFTs ✔ Ans - 1. Spirometry
2. Diffusing capacity
3. Body plethysmography
4. Bronchial provocation
5. Maximal inspiratory/expiratory pressure
6. Exercise testing
7. Arterial blood gasses
Spirometry ✔ Ans - Measures air flow and volumes.
Flow/volume relationship ✔ Ans - Peak flow reaches its
maximal level somewhere near total lung capacity.
As lung volume decreases, resistance increases due to
intrathoracic airway narrowing.
