CPFT study plan
CPFT · Give each week a clear focus.
8 weeks · About 7 hours per week
Equipment setup, calibration, and quality control
Describe the daily calibration sequence for a volume-displacement spirometer, including syringe verification limits
Compute expected versus observed values for a 3-L calibration syringe and identify when to reject a calibration
List the manufacturer-recommended frequency for flow sensor cleaning, leak testing, and biological control checks
Explain how barometric pressure, temperature, and humidity corrections are applied to reported volumes
Your checkpoint
A one-page calibration and QC checklist with pass/fail thresholds for syringe accuracy, leak test, and linearity, written from memory and then corrected against a reference
Spirometry and flow-volume testing
Perform and coach the forced vital capacity maneuver to ATS acceptability and repeatability criteria
Identify and name the specific maneuver errors that produce truncated, hesitant, or submaximal efforts
Interpret FEV1/FVC ratio, FEF25-75, and back-extrapolated volume in the context of obstruction versus restriction
Grading acceptability of at least ten practice flow-volume curves against start-of-test, end-of-test, and repeatability rules
Your checkpoint
A graded portfolio of 10 practice spirometry tracings, each labeled acceptable or unacceptable with the specific criterion cited
Spirometry and flow-volume testing & Lung volumes and diffusing capacity
Compare pre- and post-bronchodilator spirometry and apply the numeric threshold that defines a significant response
Construct and interpret a maximal flow-volume loop, including inspiratory limb assessment for variable extrathoracic obstruction
Explain the technique and technical pitfalls of single-breath nitrogen washout and plethysmographic thoracic gas volume
Distinguish TLC, FRC, RV, and IC in terms of which are measured directly versus derived
Your checkpoint
A written interpretation of three full spirometry plus lung volume case sets, each with a one-paragraph conclusion and stated confidence level
Lung volumes and diffusing capacity
Explain the single-breath carbon monoxide diffusing capacity technique from gas delivery through calculation
Correct DLCO for hemoglobin, carboxyhemoglobin, altitude, and alveolar volume, and explain the direction of each correction
Calculate DLCO/VA and describe why the ratio changes the interpretation of a low absolute value
Identify common causes of an erroneously low DLCO, including inadequate breath-hold and leak around the mouthpiece
Your checkpoint
A worked DLCO calculation sheet showing raw volumes, breath-hold time, and every applied correction with the final reported value
Blood gases, oximetry, and special testing & Lung volumes and diffusing capacity
Interpret arterial blood gas panels by systematically evaluating pH, PaCO2, HCO3, and oxygenation status
Calculate and apply compensation checks for respiratory and metabolic acid-base disorders
Differentiate measured from calculated oxygen saturation and explain co-oximetry versus pulse oximetry limitations
Complete a mixed set of 15 lung volume and DLCO items under timed conditions and review every miss
Your checkpoint
A completed ABG interpretation log of 10 cases with the primary disorder, compensation status, and calculated values shown
Patient assessment and preparation & Blood gases, oximetry, and special testing
Conduct a structured pre-test interview covering indications, contraindications, medications, and recent illness
Demonstrate correct 6-minute walk test setup, standardized encouragement, and interpretation of desaturation
Explain methacholine challenge dosing, contraindications, and criteria for a positive bronchoprovocation result
Describe infection control and patient safety practices during forced expiratory maneuvers and aerosol-generating testing
Your checkpoint
A scripted pre-test assessment form and a completed 6-minute walk test worksheet with pre/post oximetry and calculated distance predicted
Patient assessment and preparation & Equipment setup, calibration, and quality control & Spirometry and flow-volume testing
Re-derive calibration and QC limits without notes to confirm retention from week one
Teach back the acceptability and repeatability criteria to an imagined trainee in under five minutes
Resolve a set of 20 mixed equipment and spirometry scenario items with a target of 85 percent or better
Build a personal error log categorizing every missed item by domain and root cause
Your checkpoint
A single-page error log listing every missed item to date, its domain, and a rewritten rule to prevent the same miss
Patient assessment and preparation & Equipment setup, calibration, and quality control & Spirometry and flow-volume testing & Lung volumes and diffusing capacity & Blood gases, oximetry, and special testing
Complete two full-length timed practice examinations under test-day conditions
Review each missed item until you can state the correct rationale in one sentence without looking
Recite the key numeric thresholds for calibration, acceptability, bronchodilator response, and DLCO correction from memory
Finalize a one-page formula and threshold sheet for last-day review
Your checkpoint
Two scored full-length practice exams with a written remediation note for every missed item and a final one-page reference sheet
Milestones
Week 2: Calibration checklist reproduced with correct pass/fail thresholds and 10 practice curves graded with cited criteria
Week 4: DLCO calculation sheet verified correct end to end, including hemoglobin and carboxyhemoglobin corrections
Week 6: Timed mixed set of 20 lung volume and DLCO items scored at 80 percent or better
Week 7: Timed mixed set of 20 equipment and spirometry scenario items scored at 85 percent or better
Week 8: Both full-length practice exams completed with remediation notes for every missed item