Below is a summary of Pam’s electronic health record while she is in the hospital. As a doctor you are responsible for examining Pam, ordering tests and diagnosing her condition. Answer the questions below and be prepared to discuss the responses with the rest of Pam’s healthcare team.

1. Review Pam’s VPE: After reviewing Pam’s spirometry test, what do the results show?
   

   A. She is experiencing shortness of breath and she has a mild respiratory condition (COPD).

   B. Her shortness of breath has worsened and she has a moderate respiratory condition (COPD).

   C. Her lung function is starting to decline and she has a severe respiratory condition (COPD).

   D. Her quality of life is impaired and she is considered to have very severe respiratory failure (COPD).



2. Review Pam’s Outpatient EHR: What is her latest SpO₂ reading?
   

   A. 92

   B. 80

   C. 23

   D. 91



3. Internet Research: How is oxygen saturation (SpO₂) measured?
   

   A. Pulse oximeter

   B. Arterial blood gas test

   C. Both A and B



4. Internet Research: Which of the following can cause hypoxemia? Select all that apply.
   

   A. Blocked airway	D. Emphysema
   B. Mononucleosis	E. Allergies
   C. Asthma	F. Sleep apnea



5. Review Pam’s VPE: You order a pulmonary plethysmography and diffusion capacity (DLCO) test. Using VPE, match the definition to the test.
   

   ____ Diffusion capacity	A. Determines how much air the lungs can hold. After breathing into a mouthpiece, changes in pressure and the amount of air in the room and against the mouthpiece, determines the amount of air in the lungs.
   ____ Pulmonary plethysmography	B. Measures the body’s ability to exchange oxygen and carbon monoxide between the blood and lungs. After inhaling a small amount of carbon monoxide, a blood sample is taken to measure absorption by the lungs.



6. Review Pam’s Outpatient EHR: What does Pam’s plethysmography test results indicate?
   

   A. Emphysema

   B. Asthma

   C. Lung cancer

   D. Bronchitis



7. Review Pam’s VPE: An arterial blood gas (ABG) test is performed to: (Select all that apply)
   

   A. Measure carbon dioxide in the blood

   B. Check how well the lungs move oxygen into the blood

   C. Measure lung air capacity

   D. Check how well the lungs move carbon dioxide from the blood

   E. Measure the temperature of air exhaled from the lungs