Certified Pulmonary Function Technologist (CPFT) Practice Exam

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Prepare for the Certified Pulmonary Function Technologist Exam. Utilize flashcards and multiple-choice questions, with hints and detailed explanations for each. Ensure your success and confidence in the exam!

Each practice test/flash card set has 50 randomly selected questions from a bank of over 500. You'll get a new set of questions each time!

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If there is a hole or crack in the thermal pneumotach, how will this affect volume readings?

Increased
Decreased
No change
Unpredictable

The correct answer is: Decreased

When a thermal pneumotachometer has a hole or crack, it alters the flow of air through the device. The primary function of this instrument is to accurately measure airflow and subsequently calculate volume based on that airflow over time. In the case of a hole or crack, the air can escape from the intended path of airflow. This leads to a reduction in the actual volume of air being measured, resulting in a lower volume reading. The device effectively registers less flow than what is actually occurring because some of the air bypasses the flow sensor due to the leak. Consequently, the readings are compromised, leading to an overall decrease in the reported volume. This scenario clearly illustrates how the integrity of the pneumotach is crucial for precise measurements; any disruption can yield significant inaccuracies in volume assessments.