STANDARD COMPETENCIES:

 

 I.      Introduction

         A.      Pulmonary Function Testing Equipment

         B.      Spirometers

         C.      Body plethysmograph

         D.      Pulmonary Mechanics

         E.      Explain how compliance measurements are taken in a PFT lab.

         F.      Explain why compliance varies at different lung volumes.

         G.      Draw a graph of complete lung spirometery and label and eight lung compartments, both lung volumes and lung capacities.

         H.      Explain the techniques used to get an IRV, ERV, and VC.

         I.      Explain the problems entailed in getting the RV, FRC, and TLC.

         J.      Explain, from a scientific point of view, what is very useful about the FRC.

         K.      List the three methods for measuring the FRC.

         L.      Recall the equation for the closed circuit determination of the FRC.

         M.      Discuss the problems associated with the FRC determination.

         N.      Recall the methods used to find the TLC.

         O.      Discuss the clinical usefulness of the RV/TLC calculation.

         P.      Recall the basis used to compute normal lung volumes.

         Q.      Explain the strengths and weaknesses of normal value equations.

         R.      Pulmonary Ventilation Tests

 II.     Lecture Only

         A.      Explain the general approach in the hypercapnic response exam.

         B.      Explain the general approach in the hypoxic response exam

         C.      Explain the general findings seen in the hypoxic response exam.

 III.    Gas Distribution Tests

         A.      Explain the intent and method of the single-breath N2 (SBN2) washout test.

         B.      Draw a graph of the single-breath test and explain the significance of phases I, II, III, and IV.

 IV.     Recall the normal values for the single-breath test and the problems associated with this test.

         A.      Recall the normal values for the seven minute washout test and some of the problem associated with this test.

         B.      Explain the key parameters in diffusion and what parameters a diffusion test measures.

         C.      Explain how the surface area for diffusion can change with exercise.

         D.      Explain how a patient¿s hemoglobin concentration can affect the rate of diffusion.

         E.      Explain why carbon monoxide is used in diffusion tests.

         F.      Explain the procedure for the single-breath diffusion test.

         G.      Recall the normal values for the single-breath diffusion test and the problems associated with this test.

 V.      Special Pulmonary Function Tests

 VI.     Pre- and Post- Bronchodilator Studies

         A.      Discuss the indications for bronchodilator studies and how they can be of use in managing a patient.

         B.      Explain four major types of physiologic responses seen with the use of bronchodilators.

 VII.    Methacholine Challenge

         A.      State the intent of the methacholine challenge.

         B.      Explain the meaning of the PD20%.

         C.      Give a general discussion of the methacholine test procedure.

         D.      Explain the overall benefits and risks of this exam.

 VIII.   Exercise-Induced Asthma (EIA) Test

         A.      Explain the unique nature of the patient who receives this test.

         B.      Discuss the general protocol for these exams.

         C.      Discuss the possible etiologies for EIA.

 TOPICAL OUTLINE:

 

 I.      Introduction

 II.     Pulmonary Function Testing Equipment

         A.      Spirometers

         B.      Body plethysmograph

 III.    Mechanical Properties of the Lung

         A.      Pulmonary Flow Rates

         B.      Pulmonary Mechanics

         C.      Lung Volumes

 IV.     Gas Distribution Test

 V.      Special Pulmonary Function Tests

         A.      Pre- and Post- Bronchodilator Studies

         B.      Methacholine Challenge

         C.      Exercise-Induced Asthma (EIA) Test