Chest Clinic DEMO

Case 2

Looking at the results of the respiratory function tests for this patient, which of the following conclusions can you draw?

Please select either true or false to every answer.

	True	False
All values are within the normal range			FALSE. FEV₁ and the FEV₁/FVC ratio are below the normal range.
FEV₁ and the FEV₁/FVC ratio are below the normal range and RV and the RV/TLC ratio are above the normal range			FALSE. Although FEV₁ and the FEV₁/FVC ratio are below the normal range, the RV and the RV/TLC ratio are still within the normal range (just).
The results are compatible with a mild obstructive disorder			TRUE. Yes, this is indicated by the low FEV₁ and the FEV₁/FVC ratio. Although RV and RV/TLC ratio are still within the normal range, the fact that they are at the top of the range is also compatible with a mild obstructive disorder and these two variables might decrease when the patient's airways are dilated.
There is no evidence of reversibility because of FEV₁ and the FEV₁/FVC ratio remain below the normal range even after the bronchodilator			FALSE. There can be some reversibility even if the values are not completely returned to normal by the drug.
There is evidence that the obstruction is reversible			TRUE. FEV₁ and FVC have increased by more than 0.175L and 0.35L respectively after the drug. Since these changes are greater than might be expected as a result of normal repeatability, Salbutamol can be said to have had an effect and that there is evidence of reversibility.