Certified Respiratory Therapist Practice Exam

During spirometry, a peak flow measurement of 3.3 L/sec in a tall man could indicate what issue?

1. The patient is not fully exerting effort

2. The patient has a respiratory infection

3. The patient is physically fit

4. The patient has bronchiectasis

The correct answer is: The patient is not fully exerting effort

A peak flow measurement of 3.3 L/sec in a tall man suggests the need to consider whether the patient is exerting maximal effort during the spirometry test. In general, taller individuals have larger lung volumes and airway dimensions, which typically allow for higher peak expiratory flow rates. Therefore, a peak flow of 3.3 L/sec could be lower than expected for someone of that height if they are not trying their best to exhale forcefully. It's crucial to ensure that proper technique is used during the test, as suboptimal effort can significantly affect the results and lead to an inaccurate assessment of pulmonary function. While other conditions could potentially account for varying peak flow measurements, such as respiratory infections or chronic conditions like bronchiectasis, the emphasis here lies on the immediate performance metric in a controlled testing environment. A peak flow reading is primarily a reflection of effort, especially in the absence of any overt signs of illness or chronic lung disease. Hence, confirming maximal effort is essential for reliable spirometry results.