Certified Pulmonary Function Technologist (CPFT) Practice Exam

Which of the following conditions is classified as restrictive lung disease?

1. Chronic bronchitis

2. Pneumothorax

3. Emphysema

4. Sarcoidosis

The correct answer is: Sarcoidosis

Restrictive lung diseases are characterized by a reduction in lung volume, leading to decreased expansion of the lungs and often resulting in reduced airflow and difficulty in lung inflation. Sarcoidosis, an inflammatory disease that can affect multiple organs but primarily impacts the lungs, is an example of restrictive lung disease. In sarcoidosis, granulomas form in the lung tissue, which can lead to scarring and fibrotic changes that limit lung expansion, thereby reducing total lung capacity. Chronic bronchitis, pneumothorax, and emphysema, on the other hand, are primarily classified as obstructive lung diseases. Chronic bronchitis involves inflammation and excessive mucus production, causing airflow obstruction, while emphysema is characterized by the destruction of alveoli, leading to loss of lung elasticity. Pneumothorax occurs when air enters the pleural space, causing lung collapse, which is also not classified as a restrictive pulmonary disease in the traditional sense. Thus, the classification of sarcoidosis as a restrictive lung disease is accurate due to its impact on lung volume and inflation capabilities.