A patient is being considered for participation in a pulmonary rehabilitation program. Which of the following pulmonary function tests would you recommend be performed as a component of the preliminary evaluation?

Question

1. Lung volumes, including functional residual capacity (FRC)
2. Diffusing capacity (DLCO)
3. Pre- and post-bronchodilator flows
4. Lung and thoracic compliance
a. 2 and 4 only
b. 1, 2, and 3 only
c. 1, 2, 3, and 4
d. 1, 2, and 4 only

Answer 1

ANS: B
The pulmonary function testing can include assessment of pulmonary ventilation, lung volume determinations, diffusing capacity (DLCO), and pre-bronchodilator and post-bronchodilator spi-rometry.