03_06_07 Pulmonary function test interpretation

Basic Respiratory Investigations and Lung Function Tests
Session Overview
Description
This session will describe some of the basic respiratory investigations, and explain the relevance of the results obtained.

Learning Objectives
By the end of this session you will be able to:

• List a number of basic and advanced respiratory tests
• Decide on when to request respiratory tests
• Describe how these tests are undertaken and recognise the results obtained
• Recognise normal and abnormal results
• Interpret the implications of the results obtained

Anaesthesia and surgery place heavy strains on respiratory function. Surgical procedures, especially thoracic surgery, or postoperative pain may impair breathing and coughing. If lung function is abnormal preoperatively the risk of postoperative respiratory problems, chest infections, respiratory failure or hypoxia, is higher.

The purpose of any investigation is to help formulate an anaesthetic plan that is appropriate for the type of surgery and that patient. Respiratory investigations may help reach decisions about the potential risk, the most appropriate perioperative management and choice of postoperative destination.

No test should be performed unless it is relevant and will potentially alter the patient’s pathway of care.

In this session the basic respiratory investigations will be reviewed. The results that they generate and the meaning of abnormal results will be explored.