Certified Pulmonary Function Technologist (CPFT) Practice Exam

During a spirometry test, what should be considered when evaluating patient effort?

1. How well they followed instructions

2. The duration of the trial

3. The presence of pre-existing conditions

4. Comparative analysis with previous attempts

The correct answer is: How well they followed instructions

Evaluating patient effort during a spirometry test is crucial for ensuring accurate and reliable results. The choice focusing on how well the patient followed instructions is correct because adherence to instructions directly influences the quality of the test. Proper technique, including taking a deep breath and exhaling forcefully and completely, requires the patient to understand and follow the guidance provided by the technician. If the patient does not comply with these instructions, the results may be compromised, leading to inaccurate assessments of lung function. In terms of the other considerations, while the duration of the trial is important to ensure that enough volume is exhaled for valid measurements, it is less indicative of the patient’s effort than their adherence to procedural instructions. The presence of pre-existing conditions can impact lung function and test results, but it does not reflect the patient’s effort during the test. Lastly, while comparative analysis with previous attempts can provide insights into a patient’s lung function trends over time, it does not assess the current effort level during the specific test being evaluated. Therefore, focusing on how well the patient follows instructions is key for determining the validity of the test results related to their effort.