CHAPTER 20 EGANS-PFT EXAM
QUESTIONS WITH 100% CORRECT
ANSWERS | LATEST VERSION 2025/2026.
What are the three categories of PFTS? - ANS 1. dynamic flow rates of gases through airways
2. lung volumes and capacities 3. the ability of lungs to diffuse gases
Generally what are the primary purposes of PFT? - ANS to identify pulmonary impairment
and quantify the severity of pulmonary impairment
What are the indications for PFT? - ANS to identify and quantify changes; need and
therapeutic effectiveness; epidemiologic surveillance; assess postoperative risks; determine
disabililty
What are the contraindications for PFT? - ANS acute unstable cardiopulmonary problems
(hemoptysis, pneumothorax, MI, pulmonary embolism) ;acute chest or abdominal pain;
nauseated or recently vomited patients; dementia patients
When should PFT be delayed? - ANS patients who have had recent cataract removal surgery,
due to changes in ocular pressure
When may the validity of measuring the FVC be hindered? - ANS acutely ill patients; those
that recently smoked a cigarette
1 | Page @COPYRIGHT 2025/2026 ALLRIGHTS RESERVED
, What are the two major categories for pulmonary disease? - ANS obstructive pulmonary
disease; restrictive pulmonary disease
What is the primary problem in obstructive pulmonary disease? - ANS increased airway
resistance
What is the primary problem in restrictive pulmonary disease? - ANS reduced lung
compliance, thoracic compliance, or both
What are the characteristics of obstructive disease? - ANS affects airways; on expiration;
increased airway resistance; useful to measure flow rates
What are the characteristics of restrictive disease? - ANS affects lung parenchyma, thoracic
pump; on inspiration; decreased lung or thoracic compliance; useful to measure volumes or
capacities
What is reduced lung compliance a result of? - ANS alveolar inflammation (pneumonia);
swelling (pulmonary edema); or scarring (pulmonary fibrosis)
What is reduced thoracic compliance a result of? - ANS thoracic wall abnormalities
(kyphoscoliosis) ; or exogenous pressure exerted on the thoracic cavity (ascites, pregnancy).
What can identify the destruction of alveolar tissue or the loss of functioning alveolar surface? -
ANS Measuring the DLCO (diffusing capacity of the lung for carbon monoxide)
For each measurement of pulmonary function, there is a ________value and ________ and
_________ limit of normal (ULN and LLN) - ANS predicted; upper; lower
2 | Page @COPYRIGHT 2025/2026 ALLRIGHTS RESERVED
QUESTIONS WITH 100% CORRECT
ANSWERS | LATEST VERSION 2025/2026.
What are the three categories of PFTS? - ANS 1. dynamic flow rates of gases through airways
2. lung volumes and capacities 3. the ability of lungs to diffuse gases
Generally what are the primary purposes of PFT? - ANS to identify pulmonary impairment
and quantify the severity of pulmonary impairment
What are the indications for PFT? - ANS to identify and quantify changes; need and
therapeutic effectiveness; epidemiologic surveillance; assess postoperative risks; determine
disabililty
What are the contraindications for PFT? - ANS acute unstable cardiopulmonary problems
(hemoptysis, pneumothorax, MI, pulmonary embolism) ;acute chest or abdominal pain;
nauseated or recently vomited patients; dementia patients
When should PFT be delayed? - ANS patients who have had recent cataract removal surgery,
due to changes in ocular pressure
When may the validity of measuring the FVC be hindered? - ANS acutely ill patients; those
that recently smoked a cigarette
1 | Page @COPYRIGHT 2025/2026 ALLRIGHTS RESERVED
, What are the two major categories for pulmonary disease? - ANS obstructive pulmonary
disease; restrictive pulmonary disease
What is the primary problem in obstructive pulmonary disease? - ANS increased airway
resistance
What is the primary problem in restrictive pulmonary disease? - ANS reduced lung
compliance, thoracic compliance, or both
What are the characteristics of obstructive disease? - ANS affects airways; on expiration;
increased airway resistance; useful to measure flow rates
What are the characteristics of restrictive disease? - ANS affects lung parenchyma, thoracic
pump; on inspiration; decreased lung or thoracic compliance; useful to measure volumes or
capacities
What is reduced lung compliance a result of? - ANS alveolar inflammation (pneumonia);
swelling (pulmonary edema); or scarring (pulmonary fibrosis)
What is reduced thoracic compliance a result of? - ANS thoracic wall abnormalities
(kyphoscoliosis) ; or exogenous pressure exerted on the thoracic cavity (ascites, pregnancy).
What can identify the destruction of alveolar tissue or the loss of functioning alveolar surface? -
ANS Measuring the DLCO (diffusing capacity of the lung for carbon monoxide)
For each measurement of pulmonary function, there is a ________value and ________ and
_________ limit of normal (ULN and LLN) - ANS predicted; upper; lower
2 | Page @COPYRIGHT 2025/2026 ALLRIGHTS RESERVED
