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Certified Pulmonary Function Technologist Free Sample Questions

Description

Covers setting up, maintaining, calibrating and troubleshooting pulmonary function equipment and performing quality control, and clinical implications of results.

12 free sample questions115 in the full practice test

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CPFT Sample Questions

  1. Question 1

    Beginner

    Instrumentation / Equipment · Set Up, Maintain, Calibrate

    When preparing for a methacholine challenge test using a dosimeter, the technologist must verify the aerosol delivery output. The ATS guidelines recommend that the dosimeter deliver a specific volume of aerosol per actuation. What is the standard target volume delivered per breath when calibrating a dosimeter for this test?

    Answer and explanation

    Correct answer: A

    According to ATS guidelines for bronchial provocation testing, when using the 5-breath dosimeter method, the dosimeter should be calibrated to deliver 90 mcL (0.09 mL) of aerosol per actuation (breath). This precise calibration ensures that the cumulative dose of methacholine delivered to the patient is accurate.

  2. Question 2

    IntermediateMultiple answers

    Instrumentation / Equipment · Set Up, Maintain, Calibrate

    A technologist is tasked with calibrating the exercise equipment prior to performing a cardiopulmonary exercise test (CPET). Which TWO of the following parameters MUST be verified when calibrating a cycle ergometer? (Select TWO)

    Answer and explanation

    Correct answers: B, D

    Cycle ergometers require calibration and verification of the pedal cadence (Revolutions Per Minute, RPM) and the mechanical resistance (workload/torque) applied to the flywheel, often verified using known calibration weights. Belt speed is a calibration parameter for a treadmill, not a cycle ergometer.

  3. Question 3

    Intermediate

    Procedures · Perform the Procedure

    During the measurement of Thoracic Gas Volume (TGV/VTG) using a body plethysmograph, the technologist instructs the patient to pant against a closed shutter. What is the recommended panting frequency to ensure accurate measurements without causing excessive artifact?

    Answer and explanation

    Correct answer: B

    According to ATS/ERS guidelines for body plethysmography, the recommended panting frequency against the closed shutter for measuring TGV is between 0.5 and 1.0 Hz (30 to 60 breaths per minute). Panting too slowly can cause thermal drift artifacts, while panting too fast (>1.5 Hz) can cause pressure inequalities between the alveoli and the mouth, leading to overestimation of TGV, especially in patients with severe airway obstruction.

  4. Question 4

    Beginner

    Procedures · Select Test Protocols and Equipment

    A 68-year-old patient with severe kyphoscoliosis presents to the PFT lab. Standing height measurement is physically impossible due to the patient's spinal curvature. Which of the following is the most accepted surrogate measurement to estimate standing height for the purpose of calculating predicted values?

    Answer and explanation

    Correct answer: B

    In patients with severe spinal deformities like kyphoscoliosis, standing height is falsely reduced, which would lead to underestimation of predicted lung volumes. Arm span (measured from fingertip to fingertip with arms outstretched) is the standard surrogate used to estimate what the patient's true standing height would be without the deformity.

  5. Question 5

    Advanced

    Procedures · Evaluate Validity of Result

    A technologist draws an arterial blood gas (ABG) sample on room air but leaves a significant air bubble in the syringe. The sample sits at room temperature for 20 minutes before analysis. How will the air bubble affect the measured PaO2 and PaCO2 values?

    Answer and explanation

    Correct answer: B

    Room air has a PO2 of approximately 150 mmHg and a PCO2 of essentially 0 mmHg. If a significant air bubble is left in the syringe, gas exchange occurs between the blood and the air bubble. The blood's PaO2 will move toward 150 mmHg (increasing if the patient was hypoxemic, or decreasing if the patient was on high O2), and the PaCO2 will decrease as CO2 diffuses into the bubble.

  6. Question 6

    Beginner

    Data Management · Calculate Results, Select Reference Ranges and Data

    The ATS 2023 Statement on Race and Ethnicity in Pulmonary Function Testing strongly recommends which of the following changes to how reference values are selected and applied?

    Answer and explanation

    Correct answer: B

    The ATS 2023 statement recommends replacing race-specific reference equations with race-neutral average reference equations (like the GLI Global composite) for all patients. This change aims to reduce health disparities, as race is a social construct rather than a biological determinant of lung size.

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