Running head: CASE STUDY #1 QUESTIONS 1

CASE STUDY #1 QUESTIONS

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CASE STUDY #1 QUESTIONS 2

1. What is spirometry?
Spirometry is a pulmonary function test that measures both the amount and speed of

oxygen which an individual can inhale and exhale (Martin, 2014). The results of this

test determine the functioning of the lungs and assist in diagnosing respiratory diseases.
2. What is FVC? What is FEV1? What is FEV1%FVC?
FVC or forced vital capacity refers to the volume change of the lungs which is attained

after filling the lungs to capacity then exhaling to residual volume (ERS, n. d)
On the contrary, FEV1 or the Forced expiratory volume in one-second means the

volume exhaled during the first second of a forced expiratory activity which starts from

the level of total lung capacity (ERS, n.d).

FEV1%FVC means the FEV is demonstrated as a percentage of the volume capacity

(VC) to analyze the quantifying airflow limitation. To attain the FEV1%FVC, the

inspiratory vital capacity (IVC) should be greater than the expiratory vital capacity

(EVC) and when EVC is greater than FVC (IVC > EVC > FVC) (ERS, n. d).
3. What do Mary’s spirometry readings suggest?

The readings of Mary’s test indicate that her FEV is reduced than the normal rates which

might indicate that she could be having a certain respiratory condition.

4. What problem does Mary most likely have? Why?
The problem that Mary is likely to have is a restrictive ventilatory function which

presents itself as reduced volumes and normal flow rates on the FVC maneuver (ERS, n.

d). The decision is ascertained by the chronic coughs which could be one of the

symptoms.
5. What is the value of sputum culture in Mary’s case?
In Mary’s case, sputum is useful in finding bacteria or fungi through a lab test. Sputum is

used as the sample to test if there is an infection of the lungs or the airways (Martin,

2014).
6. What are the typical symptoms of this disease?
One of the typical symptoms of restrictive ventilatory function in a person is shortness of

breath which is caused by the problem of the lungs to expand or hold enough volumes of
CASE STUDY #1 QUESTIONS 3

air (Burkhardt & Pankow, 2014). The other signs include chronic or long term coughs,

inability to catch enough air, chest pain as well as wheezing or gasping for breath.
7. What are the probable triggers of Mary’s cough?
Mary’s coughs could be triggered by the reduced total lung capacity (TLC) because the

expiratory airflow is preserved but the airway resistance is normal (ERS, n.d). Moreover,

the FEv1%VC is increased on the person making them cough. The coughs are generally

caused by limited gas transfers in the lungs.

8. How will Mary’s cough be treated?
Mary’s cough will be treated by administering bronchodilator drugs according to the age

of the patient (Sim et al., 2017). For instance, Mary can be given a higher dose of beta2-

agonists because the effect of inhaled particles in children is larger than in children.
9. What is PERFR? How is it measured? What is it used for?
PERFR refers to management performance or the bronchodilator responsiveness in

Mary’s case (Burkhardt & Pankow, 2014). The performance or the bronchodilator

responsiveness is measured by testing the increase in FEV1 as well as the maximum level

of FEV attained. It is used to evaluate the effectiveness of the treatment given to the

patient.
10. What other precautions should be taken for Mary?
Mary should visit the clinic frequently for the doctors to test if there are other diagnoses

related to the symptoms. In other words, Mary requires a follow-up observation coupled

with repetitive spirometry to ensure the condition does not escalate.

CASE STUDY #1 QUESTIONS 4

References
Sim, Y. S., Lee, J. H., Lee, W. Y., Suh, D. I., Oh, Y. M., Yoon, J. S., Lee, J. H., Cho, J. H., Kwon,

C. S., … Chang, J. H. (2017). Spirometry and Bronchodilator Test. Tuberculosis and

Respiratory Diseases, 80(2), 105-112.

ERS. (n. d.). Become an Expert in Spirometry.SpirXpert Retrieved

from: http://www.spirxpert.com
Martin, D. L. A. H. C. C. (2014). Advanced Training in Anesthesia. Oxford University Press.

Burkhardt, R., & Pankow, W. (2014). The Diagnosis of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary

Disease. Deutsches Arzteblatt international, 111(49), 834-45, quiz 846.