Certified Pulmonary Function Technologist (CPFT) Practice Exam

What could potentially increase DLCO levels?

1. Smoking

2. Pulmonary hemorrhage

3. Viral infections

4. Asthma medications

The correct answer is: Pulmonary hemorrhage

Increasing DLCO (diffusing capacity for carbon monoxide) levels can occur in various conditions, and pulmonary hemorrhage is a notable example. When pulmonary hemorrhage occurs, there is an increase in the amount of blood in the alveoli, which enhances the transfer of carbon monoxide from the alveolar space into the bloodstream. This augmented blood volume allows for increased gas exchange and subsequently results in higher DLCO measurements. In contrast, factors such as smoking primarily introduce carbon monoxide into the lungs but can lead to damage in lung parenchyma and reduced DLCO levels over time. Viral infections usually lead to inflammatory responses in lung tissue, which may decrease gas exchange efficiency. Asthma medications, while helpful in managing symptoms of asthma, do not have a direct effect on DLCO levels in a way that would cause significant increases. Thus, among the presented options, pulmonary hemorrhage is correctly identified as a condition that can potentially elevate DLCO values due to the increased availability of alveolar blood.