Pulmonary Function Tests

Pulmonary Function Tests, or PFT, are diagnostic tools that use a spirometer to measure lung volumes and airflow, recording the amount and rate of air a patient can inhale and exhale.

It helps diagnose chronic respiratory disorders like asthma and evaluate the effectiveness of treatments like bronchodilators.

They are also screening tools in industries with respiratory hazards, like coal mining.

Additionally, PFTs are performed preoperatively for thoracic and upper abdominal procedures to assess respiratory status.

The steps to conduct a PFT include the following.

First, the patient is asked to sit on a chair, and a nasal clip is applied to prevent air from escaping through the nostrils.

Next, the patient is advised to take a deep breath and slowly exhale into a mouthpiece attached to the spirometer while the computer calculates their lung function.

Nursing responsibilities include explaining the procedure to patients, assessing for respiratory distress, ensuring that tests are not scheduled immediately after meals, and avoiding administering inhaled bronchodilators 6 hours before the procedure.