DOT Certification Practice Exam

What tests must be ordered if minimum FEV1 or FVC requirements are not met?

1. PFTs or Spirometry

2. X-ray or CT scan

3. Oximetry or ABG

4. Medical history review

The correct answer is: Oximetry or ABG

The correct answer is that oximetry or an arterial blood gas (ABG) test should be ordered if the minimum FEV1 (Forced Expiratory Volume in 1 second) or FVC (Forced Vital Capacity) requirements are not met. This is because the FEV1 and FVC are critical metrics in assessing lung function, and when they indicate an issue or do not meet the necessary thresholds, it becomes essential to evaluate the patient's oxygenation status and acid-base balance. Oximetry measures the oxygen saturation of hemoglobin in the blood, providing immediate insight into how well oxygen is being transferred into the bloodstream. An ABG test goes a step further by analyzing blood directly for amounts of oxygen, carbon dioxide, and the pH level, which helps to assess respiratory function more comprehensively. These tests help in determining the severity and nature of respiratory impairment, guiding further clinical decisions. Other options, while potentially useful in different contexts, do not directly relate to assessing lung function or oxygenation in the immediate context of inadequate FEV1 or FVC results. For instance, PFTs (Pulmonary Function Tests) or spirometry are indeed vital for assessing lung function, but if those tests indicate a problem, additional assessments