Pulmonary Function Test Overview

Podcast Beta

Play an AI-generated podcast conversation about this lesson

Questions and Answers

What is the normal range for arterial blood pH?

7.55 to 7.65

7.35 to 7.45 (correct)

7.25 to 7.35

7.45 to 7.55

Which condition is associated with a PaCO2 level greater than 45 mmHg?

Hyperventilation

Acidosis (correct)

Alkalosis

Normal condition

What position must a patient remain in for about 30 minutes during the procedure?

Left lateral position

Supine position (correct)

Prone position

Sitting position

What is the normal range for bicarbonate (HCO3) levels in arterial blood?

21-26 mEq/L Signup and view all the answers

What must be assessed for if contrast medium is going to be used?

Allergies to iodine Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary advantage of using MRI over x-rays and CT scans?

More detailed diagnostic images Signup and view all the answers

What SpO2 level indicates hypoxemia?

Less than 80% Signup and view all the answers

How long should a patient maintain NPO status before the procedure?

4 hours Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of performing Pulmonary Function Tests (PFT)?

To assess respiratory function and dysfunction extent Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following factors is NOT known to affect pulse oximetry readings?

Skin pigmentation Signup and view all the answers

When should cultures for sensitivity tests be obtained in relation to antibiotic therapy?

Before the initiation of antibiotic therapy Signup and view all the answers

Which preparation instruction is essential for a patient before sputum collection?

Rinse mouth with water prior to collection Signup and view all the answers

What color would the arterial blood specimen appear after collection for ABG studies?

Bright red Signup and view all the answers

What does the culture aspect of Culture and Sensitivity (C&S) testing achieve?

Identifies the specific pathogens present Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT an indication for performing a PFT?

Healthy individuals Signup and view all the answers

How long should a patient avoid smoking prior to a PFT?

24 hours Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the key nursing interventions before performing an ABG?

Perform Allen’s Test Signup and view all the answers

Which imaging method is used to detect pathologic conditions in the lungs?

Chest X-ray Signup and view all the answers

What does the sensitivity aspect of C&S testing signify?

Tests which drugs are effective against the pathogen Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of conducting a Gram stain in sputum studies?

To indicate whether bacteria are gram-positive or gram-negative Signup and view all the answers

Which intervention is critical to prevent hemolysis when collecting arterial blood for ABG?

Place specimen in a container with ice Signup and view all the answers

Which patient group requires a PFT to assess potential respiratory issues?

Patients with a history of respiratory issues Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of conducting Culture and Sensitivity (C&S) testing?

To identify effective antibiotics against pathogens Signup and view all the answers

Which factor is considered to affect pulse oximetry readings?

Carbon monoxide poisoning Signup and view all the answers

What must be avoided by a patient for at least 4 hours before a pulmonary function test?

Alcohol Signup and view all the answers

In what color will arterial blood appear upon collection for arterial blood gas (ABG) studies?

Bright red Signup and view all the answers

Sputum studies include which of the following tests to assess for potential tuberculosis (PTB)?

Acid-fast bacilli tests Signup and view all the answers

What should a patient be instructed to do prior to providing a sputum sample?

Rinse mouth with water Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following conditions would likely necessitate a pulmonary function test (PFT)?

Asthma Signup and view all the answers

What is the main consideration after performing Allen's test when collecting arterial blood?

Immediate placement of sample on ice Signup and view all the answers

What is the usual timeframe for receiving preliminary results from Culture and Sensitivity tests?

24 hours Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a contraindication for undergoing a chest x-ray?

Pregnancy Signup and view all the answers

What value of pH indicates acidosis in arterial blood?

Less than 7.35 Signup and view all the answers

What partial pressure of carbon dioxide (PaCO2) would indicate alkalosis?

Below 35 mmHg Signup and view all the answers

What is the normal partial pressure of oxygen (PaO2) in arterial blood?

80-100 mmHg Signup and view all the answers

What abnormality is indicated by bicarbonate levels greater than 26 mEq/L?

Alkalosis Signup and view all the answers

Which patient condition requires the use of a pulse oximeter for monitoring?

Hypoxemia Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary risk associated with using contrast medium during imaging procedures?

Allergic reactions Signup and view all the answers

What is one requirement for maintaining NPO status prior to a chest MRI?

For 4 hours Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following techniques is used to monitor oxygen saturation non-invasively?

Pulse oximetry Signup and view all the answers

What position should a patient maintain during a certain diagnostic procedure?

Supine Signup and view all the answers

In which type of imaging is magnetic fields and radiofrequency used instead of radiation?

MRI Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Pulmonary Function Test (PFT)

Assesses respiratory function
Determines the extent of dysfunction
Monitors response to therapy
Used for screening in potentially hazardous industries
Administered using a spirometer

PFT Indications

Chronic respiratory disorders
Patients about to undergo thoracic and upper abdominal surgery
Obese patients
Symptomatic patients with a history suggestive of high risk

PFT Percentage Predicted Value

Compares patient performance with an average based on age, gender, race, and height

PFT Patient Preparation

Instruct patient to avoid the following:
- Smoking for 24 hours
- Drinking alcohol for at least 4 hours
- Vigorous exercise for at least 30 minutes
- Wearing any tight clothing
- Eating a large meal for at least 2 hours
- Taking short-acting bronchodilators for four hours
- Taking long-acting beta-2-agonist inhalers for 12 hours
- Taking slow-release medicines that affect respiratory function, and theophylline-based drugs for 24 hours

Factors Affecting Pulse Oximetry Readings

Anemia
Abnormal hemoglobin
Carbon monoxide poisoning
Patient movement (shivering)

Culture and Sensitivity (C&S)

Identifies pathogens
Tests which drugs are most effective against the identified pathogen
- Sensitive
- Intermediate
- Resistant
Obtain cultures PRIOR to antibiotic therapy initiation
Preliminary results are usually available within 24 hours
Final results are available after 48 to 72 hours

Culture and Sensitivity Specimen Collection

Throat swab - useful in detecting streptococcal infections
Nasal/Nasopharyngeal swab - Staphylococcus aureus, Influenza
Sputum

Sputum Studies

Sputum - thick type of mucus produced in the lungs
Gram staining:
- Rapid method of detecting bacterial infection
- Indicates whether it is gram-positive or gram-negative
Culture and sensitivity
Acid-fast bacilli: to test for Pulmonary Tuberculosis (PTB)

Sputum Collection

Obtain early in the morning before intake of food or fluid
Instruct patient to rinse mouth with water prior to collection
Instruct patient to take a few deep breaths then cough deeply
Let patient expectorate sputum into a sterile container
Offer oral care

Arterial Blood Gas Studies (ABG)

Assess oxygenation and acid-base balance
No special preparation required

Arterial Blood Gas (ABG) Specimen

Arterial Blood - Bright Red

Arterial Blood Gas (ABG) Procedure

Radial artery is the most common site for withdrawal of specimen
Perform Allen’s Test (Ulnar - Radial blood sufficiency)
Use heparinized syringe to draw blood specimen - to prevent clotting
Place specimen in a container with ice - to prevent hemolysis
If hemolysis occurs, oxygen and carbon dioxide are released and cannot be measured accurately

Arterial Blood Gas (ABG) Results

Normal - 7.35 to 7.45
Acidosis - Less than 7.35
Alkalosis - Greater than 7.45

Chest X-Ray

Helps detect densities produced by fluid, tumors, foreign bodies, and other pathologic conditions
Contraindication: Pregnancy

Chest X-Ray Nursing Interventions

Inform patients that chest x-rays do not require fasting and are not painful

Chest CT Scan

Computed Tomography (CT) Scan
Uses narrow-beam x-ray to scan the lungs in successive layers
Produces a cross-sectional view of the chest

Chest CT Scan Nursing Interventions

Inform patient that they will be required to remain in supine position for about 30 minutes
If contrast medium will be used:
- Assess for allergy to iodine
- Monitor kidney function
- Maintain NPO for 4 hours before procedure or as ordered

Chest MRI

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
Uses magnetic fields and radiofrequency instead of radiation
Produces a more detailed diagnostic image than x-rays and CT scan

Pulmonary Function Test (PFT)

Assesses respiratory function
Determines the extent of dysfunction
Evaluates response to therapy
Used as screening tests in hazardous industries
Administered using a spirometer

PFT Indications

Chronic respiratory disorders
Patients undergoing thoracic and upper abdominal surgery
Obese individuals
Symptomatic patients with a history suggesting high risk

Factors Affecting Pulse Oximetry Readings

Anemia
Abnormal hemoglobin
Carbon monoxide poisoning
Patient movement (shivering)

Culture and Sensitivity (C&S)

Identifies pathogens
Tests which drug/s are most effective against the identified pathogen
Sensitivity categories:
- Sensitive
- Intermediate
- Resistant
Cultures should be obtained before starting antibiotic therapy
Preliminary results are usually available within 24 hours
Final results are available after 48 to 72 hours

Specimen Types for C&S

Throat swab - detects streptococcal infections
Nasal/Nasopharyngeal swab - Staphylococcus aureus, Influenza
Sputum

Sputum Studies

Sputum is thick mucus produced in the lungs
Gram staining: rapid method of detecting bacterial infection
- Indicates gram-positive or gram-negative bacteria
Culture and sensitivity
Acid-fast bacilli: tests for PTB (pulmonary tuberculosis)

Sputum Collection Guidelines

Obtained early in the morning before eating or drinking
Patient should rinse mouth with water prior to collection
Instruct patient to take deep breaths and cough deeply
Expectorate sputum into sterile container
Offer oral care

Arterial Blood Gas Studies (ABG)

Assesses oxygenation and acid-base balance

ABG Procedure

Radial artery is the most common site for specimen withdrawal
Allen's Test is performed to assess ulnar-radial blood sufficiency
Heparinized syringe used to draw blood specimen
Specimen placed in a container with ice to prevent hemolysis
If hemolysis occurs, oxygen and carbon dioxide levels cannot be accurately measured

Normal ABG Values

Description	Normal Value	Abnormalities
pH	7.35 to 7.45	Less than 7.5 (acidosis), Greater than 7.45 (alkalosis)
PaCO2	35-45 mmHg	Less than 35 mmHg (alkalosis), Greater than 45 mmHg (acidosis)
HCO3	21-26 mEq/L	Less than 21 mEq/L (acidosis), Greater than 26 mEq/L (alkalosis)
PaO2	80-100 mmHg	Less than 80 mmHg (hypoxemia)

Pulse Oximeter (SpO2)

Non-invasive method for continuously monitoring oxygen saturation of hemoglobin
Probe or sensor is attached to the fingertip, forehead, earlobe, or bridge of the nose

Chest X-Ray

Detects densities produced by fluid, tumors, foreign bodies, and other pathologies
Contraindicated in pregnancy

Chest X-Ray Nursing Interventions

Inform patients that x-rays do not require fasting and are not painful

Chest CT-Scan

Uses narrow-beam x-rays to scan the lungs in successive layers
Produces cross-sectional images of the chest

Chest CT-Scan Nursing Interventions

Inform patient they will be required to remain in supine position for about 30 minutes
If contrast medium is used:
- Assess for iodine allergies
- Monitor kidney function
- Maintain NPO for 4 hours before procedure or as ordered

Chest MRI

Uses magnetic fields and radiofrequency instead of radiation
Produces detailed diagnostic images superior to x-rays and CT scans

Studying That Suits You

Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.

Description

This quiz assesses your knowledge of Pulmonary Function Tests (PFT), including their indications, patient preparation, and how results are interpreted. It covers key aspects related to respiratory function and monitoring. Perfect for healthcare professionals and students in related fields.