Advanced Patient Assessment Practice Exam

What is the primary purpose of a pulmonary function test (PFT)?

1. To measure blood oxygen levels

2. To assess lung capacity and function

3. To evaluate heart rhythm

4. To determine cardiac output

The correct answer is: To assess lung capacity and function

The primary purpose of a pulmonary function test (PFT) is to assess lung capacity and function. This assessment helps healthcare providers determine how well the lungs are working and can identify any potential lung diseases or conditions. During PFTs, various measurements are taken, including how much air a person can inhale and exhale, and how quickly they can do so. These measurements are crucial for diagnosing conditions like asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and other respiratory disorders. Understanding lung capacity and function is vital for tailoring treatments for patients with respiratory problems and for monitoring the effectiveness of therapies over time. The results can also serve as benchmarks to evaluate the progression of lung diseases or the impact of exposure to harmful substances. In contrast, measuring blood oxygen levels is typically conducted through arterial blood gasses or pulse oximetry, which are not the focus of PFTs. Evaluating heart rhythm requires different testing methodologies, such as an electrocardiogram (ECG), which looks at electrical activity in the heart rather than lung function, while cardiac output assessment involves specific measurements of blood flow from the heart that do not relate to lung capacity.