Today our topic of discussion is Procedure of Pulmonary Function Test.
Procedure of Pulmonary Function Test
Procedure
- Spirometry and Airflow Rates
- The unsedated client is taken to the pulmonary function laboratory
- The client breaths through a sterile mouthpiece and into a spirometer to measure and record the desired values
- The client is asked to inhale as deeply as possible. This is repeated several times (usually two to three times).
- The two best are used for calculations. This test may be repeated with bronchodilators if the client’s values are deficient
- From this, the machine computes FVC, FEV, FEV/FVC, PIER, PEFR and MMER
- The client is asked to breathe in and out as deeply and frequently as possible for 15 seconds.
- The total volume breathed is recorded and multiplied by 4 to obtain the MVV
- The client is asked to breathe in and out normally into the spirometer and then exhale forcibly from the end tidal volume expiration point.
- This provides measurement of ERV
- The client is asked to breathe in and out normally into the spirometer and then inhale forcibly from the end tidal volume expiration point.
- This provides measurement of IC The client is asked to breathe in and out maximally (but not forced).
- This is a measure of VC and the calculated TLC.
Gas Exchange/Diffusing Capacity of the Lung (D,)
- The D, of CO is usually measured by having the client inhale a CO mixture .
- D, CO is calculated with an analysis of the amount of CO exhaled compared with the amount inhaled. Some procedures require arterial blood gas to be performed at the same time as the gas exchange maneuvers.
Inhalation Tests (Bronchial Provocation Studies)
- These tests also may be performed during pulmonary function studies to establish a cause-and-effort relationship in some clients with inhalant allergies
- The methacholine or histamine challenge test is typically used to detect the presence of hyperactive airway diseases.
- This test would not be indicated for a client known to have asthma, severe bronchospasm with prompt administration of ww Inhalant bronchodilator (e. Isoproterenol) reverse.
Post-Procedural Care
Note that clients with severe respiratory problems are occasionally exhausted after the testing and will need
Contraindications
- Clients who are in pain because of the inability cooperate by deep inspiration and expiration
- Clients who are unable to cooperate because of age mental incapacity.