Pulmonary Function Testing: Spirometry
Spirometry is a valuable tool for the diagnosis and management of pulmonary diseases and conditions. During a spirometric test, pulmonary volumes, capacities, and flows are analyzed to provide insight to the individual’s mechanical respiratory process. This can provide clues as to the types of conditions that may be present. These clues often lead to more definitive testing for suspected conditions. The various indications, contraindications, and potential complications of spirometry should be kept in mind to ensure the safe and appropriate use of this diagnostic. Any spirometry study should include an assessment of the quality of the test in question as well as confirmation of device calibration. With quality spirometric results, valuable data is generated that can make substantial impacts to care and the wellbeing of individuals with respiratory diseases or conditions.
Spirometry is a valuable tool for the diagnosis and management of pulmonary diseases and conditions. During a spirometric test, pulmonary volumes, capacities, and flows are analyzed to provide insight to the individual’s mechanical respiratory process. This can provide clues as to the types of conditions that may be present. These clues often lead to more definitive testing for suspected conditions. The various indications, contraindications, and potential complications of spirometry should be kept in mind to ensure the safe and appropriate use of this diagnostic. Any spirometry study should include an assessment of the quality of the test in question as well as confirmation of device calibration. With quality spirometric results, valuable data is generated that can make substantial impacts to care and the wellbeing of individuals with respiratory diseases or conditions.
Alabama State Board of Respiratory Therapy
Alabama State Board of Respiratory Therapy (CEBroker Provider #50-290)
This module is approved for 1.00 contact hours.
American Association for Respiratory Care
This program has been approved as non-traditional Continuing Respiratory Care Education (CRCE) credit by the American Association for Respiratory Care, 9425 N. MacArthur Blvd. Suite 100 Irving TX 75063.
Approval #: 192161000
This activity is approved for 1.0000 contact hours.
Florida Board of Respiratory Care
Florida Board of Respiratory Care (CEBroker Provider #50-290)
This module is approved for 1.00 contact hours.
Georgia Composite Medical Board - Respiratory Care Professionals
Louisiana State Board of Medical Examiners - Respiratory Therapy
Louisiana State Board of Medical Examiners - Respiratory Therapy (CEBroker Provider #50-290)
Respiratory Therapists will receive 1.00 contact hours for participating in this course.
Mississippi State Department of Health Bureau of Professional Licensure Respiratory Care Practitioners
Mississippi State Department of Health Bureau of Professional Licensure Respiratory Care Practitioners (CEBroker Provider #50-290)
Respiratory Therapists will receive 1.00 contact hours for participating in this course.
New Hampshire Advisory Board of Respiratory Care Practitioners
Oklahoma Board of Medical Licensure and Supervision- Respiratory Therapy
Oklahoma Board of Medical Licensure and Supervision- Respiratory Therapy (CEBroker Provider #50-290)
This module is approved for 1.00 contact hours.
Describe lung volumes, lung capacities, and key spirometric values.
Describe acceptability, repeatability, and calibration requirements as they relate to basic spirometry.
Interpret normal, restrictive, and obstructive spirometry patterns.
Outline:
Section 1: Introduction
About This Course
Learning Objectives
Section 2: What is Spirometry?
Spirometry
The History of Spirometry
Basic Lung Anatomy
Where Spirometry Fits In
Pulmonary Volumes and Capacities
Indications, Contraindications, and Complications
Ann’s Story
Summary
Section 3: Equipment and Important Values
Equipment
FVC
FEV1
FEV1/FVC
Meghan’s Story
Summary
Section 4: Interpretation
Normal Values
Do I Have Quality Results?
Interpretation
Bob’s Story
Summary
Section 5: Review
Review Questions
Section 6: Conclusion
Course Summary
Course Contributor
Resources
References
Instructor: Paul Teelin, MSN, RN-BC
Paul Teelin, MSN, RN-BC is a SME writer with Relias. Paul has a varied, multidisciplinary clinical background. As a respiratory therapist, he focused primarily on adult critical care, neonatal critical care, high-acuity transport, procedural care, outpatient care, and professional development. As a registered nurse, Paul’s clinical practice has been in the areas of medical/surgical care, orthopedics, perianesthesia care, invasive cardiology, care coordination, and nursing leadership. He has served as a course creator and instructor on various occasions over his years of practice. Paul has earned a Master of Science in Nursing in Nursing Informatics and is certified in Informatics Nursing by the ANCC. He is an active member of the Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing.
The target audience for this course is: Respiratory Therapists; in the following settings: Acute Care Facility.
Asynchronous/Online Distance Learning; please see certificate details for specifics on delivery format.
Relias has a grievance policy in place to facilitate reports of dissatisfaction. Relias will make every effort to resolve each grievance in a mutually satisfactory manner. In order to report a complaint or grievance please contact Relias.
If you require special accommodations to complete this module, please contact Relias Support by completing the web form (https://www.relias.com/help) or by using the chat functionality.
All courses offered by Relias, LLC are developed from a foundation of diversity, inclusiveness, and a multicultural perspective. Knowledge, values and awareness related to cultural competency are infused throughout the course content.
Reference herein to any specific commercial product, process, or service by trade name, trademark, service mark, manufacturer or otherwise does not constitute or imply any endorsement, recommendation, or favoring of, or affiliation with, Relias, LLC.
All characteristics and organizations referenced in the following training are fictional. Any resemblance to any actual organizations or persons living or dead, is purely coincidental.
To earn continuing education credit for this course you must achieve a passing score of 80% on the post-test and complete the course evaluation.
If you require special accommodations to complete this module, please contact Relias Customer Support here.
