RPFT study plan

Sequence the full spirometry encounter from pre-test instructions through post-test documentation, stating the coach's verbal cues at each step.

Apply acceptability and repeatability criteria to written tracings (back-extrapolated volume, end-of-test plateau, repeatability of the two largest FVC and FEV1 values) and state accept or reject with the reason.

Describe correct performance of slow vital capacity, maximal voluntary ventilation, and pre-/post-bronchodilator testing, including timing rules for the post measurement.

Outline the step sequence for lung volume determination by body plethysmography and by inert gas dilution, naming at least two maneuvers the patient must perform in each.

Identify at least six physiologic or technical sources of error in DLCO (breath-hold length, Valsalva, leaked sample, inspired volume, COHb, altitude) and state the corrective action for each.

Perform at least ten manual calculations converting ATPS volumes to BTPS and to STPD, and check each against a worked answer.

Compute FEV1/FVC ratio, percent predicted, and lower limits of normal from supplied prediction equations without a calculator shortcut, then verify with a second method.

Execute and document a 3-L syringe volume calibration, verifying accuracy within plus or minus 3.5% (or 0.05 L, whichever is greater) and stating pass/fail.

Execute a syringe-based flow linearity check across low, mid, and high flows, verifying flow accuracy within plus or minus 5% (or 0.2 L/s, whichever is greater).

Write the daily pre-test checklist that verifies leak integrity, ambient conditions, gas analyzer span, and device time-of-day clock.

Draft a 30-day QC calendar assigning daily, weekly, monthly, and quarterly tasks for spirometry, plethysmograph, gas analyzers, and DLCO equipment.

Describe the two-point (zero and span) calibration procedure for DLCO gas analyzers and state the action taken when span drift exceeds your program's limit.

Explain how to run and trend a biologic control subject, including the acceptance window (commonly within about 10% of that subject's established mean) and the escalation step when it fails.

List what must be recorded about ambient temperature, barometric pressure, and humidity, and explain how each changes reported volumes.

Identify at least five patient-preparation steps before testing (withholding short-acting bronchodilators, no smoking, no vigorous exercise, no heavy meal, loose clothing) and give the required time interval for each.

Take and document a focused respiratory history that captures symptom timing, occupational and environmental exposures, and current inhaler regimen.

Identify contraindications and precautions for forced expiratory maneuvers and for exercise-based tests, and state the alternative approach for each.

Explain how to obtain and document informed consent, height, weight, age, sex, and ethnicity, and describe the effect of each on predicted values.

Describe how to adjust testing for a patient who cannot stand, has facial hair, wears dentures, or has an tracheostomy, and specify the interface change required.

Recalculate all calibration and QC tolerances from memory on a blank sheet and self-score at 85% or better.

Integrate assessment findings with test selection by choosing the appropriate test battery for five written vignettes (e.g., preoperative evaluation, suspected asthma, suspected interstitial disease, neuromuscular weakness, suspected vocal cord dysfunction).

Describe how to coach a patient through a suboptimal effort and document the coaching given, including when to stop testing for patient safety.

Explain the role of pulse oximetry, capnography, and vital signs during testing and state what change would prompt you to terminate a test.

Review your week 1 acceptability log, correct every missed item, and write a short rule for each recurring error.

Classify twenty de-identified numeric data sets as normal, obstructive, restrictive, or mixed, using FEV1/FVC, FVC, TLC, and the lower limit of normal.

Grade severity of impairment from FEV1 percent predicted and state the grading scheme you used.

Interpret bronchodilator response and state the magnitude threshold you are applying.

Interpret a DLCO result with its numerator (alveolar volume) to distinguish a reduced DLCO due to parenchymal loss, anemia, or poor technique.

Draft a structured report template containing demographics, quality grade, measured and predicted values, interpretation, and a comparison to prior studies.

Write quality-control comments that flag a technically unacceptable but reportable test without misstating the interpretation.

Explain how to communicate critical or unexpected findings to the ordering clinician and document that communication.

Assemble a written infection-control protocol covering hand hygiene, single-use filters, mouthpiece handling, and surface disinfection between patients.

Differentiate standard precautions from transmission-based precautions and state how each changes scheduling and PPE for pulmonary function testing.

Identify at least five engineering and administrative controls that reduce aerosol exposure during forced expiratory maneuvers.

Assemble a hazard inventory for the lab (pressurized gases, calibration syringes, disinfectants, electrical equipment) with a control listed for each hazard.

Perform a timed full review of all five domains, allocating review time in proportion to your three lowest self-scored practice areas.

Re-derive from memory every tolerance, threshold, and time interval you logged in weeks 2 and 3 and correct any that you cannot reproduce exactly.

Complete two full-length timed practice sets built from your own notes and score 85% or better on the second.

Write a post-exam maintenance plan listing which QC tasks you would perform on your first day back in the lab.