Pulmonary Function Test Demonstration

Summary

This video demonstrates a comprehensive pulmonary function test, guiding patients through several key assessments of lung health. The clinician explains and administers tests including barometry for COPD evaluation, plethysmography for measuring lung capacity, and diffusion capacity to assess oxygen transfer from air to blood. Throughout, patients are instructed on proper use of the mouthpiece and nose clips, breathing techniques, and handling test-specific procedures like panting against resistance or holding their breath. The step-by-step guidance ensures accurate measurement while keeping patients informed and comfortable. The video offers an educational and practical overview of lung function testing procedures.

Takeaways

• 😀 The video demonstrates a pulmonary function testing session to assess different lung parameters.
• 😀 Patients are asked to sit in a booth for the testing process.
• 😀 A mouthpiece and nose clips are used to ensure all airflow is measured from the lungs.
• 😀 The first test performed is barometry, useful for evaluating patients with COPD.
• 😀 During barometry, patients breathe normally, take deep breaths, and exhale forcefully until their lungs are empty.
• 😀 The next test is plethysmography, which measures lung capacity and is helpful for assessing restrictive lung processes.
• 😀 In plethysmography, patients perform normal breathing and quick panting while encountering resistance from the machine.
• 😀 The final test shown is diffusion capacity, which evaluates the lungs’ ability to transfer oxygen into the blood.
• 😀 During diffusion capacity testing, patients take deep breaths, hold them for about 10 seconds, and then exhale fully.
• 😀 Proper technique and patient cooperation are emphasized for accurate pulmonary function measurements.

Q & A

What is the purpose of pulmonary function testing?

Pulmonary function testing is used to assess different parameters of lung function, including lung capacity, airflow, and the ability of the lungs to transfer oxygen into the blood.

Why are nose clips used during the tests?

Nose clips are used to ensure that all air comes from the lungs through the mouth and not through the nostrils, providing accurate measurements.

What is the barometry test, and who is it particularly useful for?

The barometry test measures airflow and lung function, and it is particularly useful for assessing patients with COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease).

How should a patient perform the breathing during the barometry test?

The patient should start breathing normally, then take a big deep breath in and blow out hard and fast until all air is expelled, followed by another deep breath in when instructed.

What does plethysmography assess?

Plethysmography assesses the patient's lung capacity and is especially useful for evaluating lung scarring and restrictive processes.

What special instructions are given during the plethysmography test?

The patient is asked to breathe normally, take deep breaths when instructed, then perform quick panting while meeting a resistance, keeping their hands on their cheeks during the test.

What is the diffusion capacity test used for?

The diffusion capacity test evaluates the lung’s ability to transfer oxygen from the air into the blood, indicating how efficiently the lungs can oxygenate the blood.

Describe the steps a patient must follow during the diffusion capacity test.

The patient breathes normally, takes a deep breath in, exhales, takes another deep breath and holds it for about 10 seconds, and then exhales completely when instructed.

Why is a tight seal with the mouthpiece important during these tests?

A tight seal ensures that no air escapes around the mouth, providing accurate measurement of lung volumes, airflow, and capacity.

What is the overall sequence of tests performed in this pulmonary function testing session?

The sequence includes barometry to assess airflow (especially for COPD), plethysmography to measure lung capacity and restrictive patterns, and diffusion capacity to evaluate oxygen transfer from the lungs to the blood.

How does the technician guide the patient through the tests?

The technician provides step-by-step instructions, demonstrates how to use the mouthpiece and nose clips, cues the patient when to breathe deeply or pant, and monitors the patient’s technique throughout each test.

Why might the technician close the door during plethysmography?

The door is closed to isolate the patient in a controlled environment, allowing accurate measurement of lung volumes and pressure changes within the chamber.