Free CPFT sample questions

Correct answers: Pedal cadence (RPM) accuracy; Workload (resistance) using known calibration weights

Cycle ergometers require calibration and verification of the pedal cadence (Revolutions Per Minute, RPM) and the mechanical resistance (workload/torque) applied to the flywheel, often verified using known calibration weights. Belt speed is a calibration parameter for a treadmill, not a cycle ergometer.

Cycle ergometers require calibration and verification of the pedal cadence (Revolutions Per Minute, RPM) and the mechanical resistance (workload/torque) applied to the flywheel, often verified using known calibration weights. Belt speed is a calibration parameter for a treadmill, not a cycle ergometer.

Correct answer: 0.5 to 1.0 Hz (30 to 60 breaths per minute)

According to ATS/ERS guidelines for body plethysmography, the recommended panting frequency against the closed shutter for measuring TGV is between 0.5 and 1.0 Hz (30 to 60 breaths per minute). Panting too slowly can cause thermal drift artifacts, while panting too fast (>1.5 Hz) can cause pressure inequalities between the alveoli and the mouth, leading to overestimation of TGV, especially in patients with severe airway obstruction.

Correct answer: Arm span (fingertip to fingertip)

In patients with severe spinal deformities like kyphoscoliosis, standing height is falsely reduced, which would lead to underestimation of predicted lung volumes. Arm span (measured from fingertip to fingertip with arms outstretched) is the standard surrogate used to estimate what the patient's true standing height would be without the deformity.

Correct answer: PaO2 will equilibrate toward 150 mmHg, and PaCO2 will decrease toward 0 mmHg.

Room air has a PO2 of approximately 150 mmHg and a PCO2 of essentially 0 mmHg. If a significant air bubble is left in the syringe, gas exchange occurs between the blood and the air bubble. The blood's PaO2 will move toward 150 mmHg (increasing if the patient was hypoxemic, or decreasing if the patient was on high O2), and the PaCO2 will decrease as CO2 diffuses into the bubble.

Correct answer: Laboratories should transition to using race-neutral reference equations (such as the GLI Global composite) for all patients.

The ATS 2023 statement recommends replacing race-specific reference equations with race-neutral average reference equations (like the GLI Global composite) for all patients. This change aims to reduce health disparities, as race is a social construct rather than a biological determinant of lung size.

Correct answer: Myocardial ischemia

Significant horizontal or downsloping ST-segment depression (≥ 1 mm) during exercise, especially accompanied by chest pain, is a classic ECG sign of myocardial ischemia (inadequate blood supply to the heart muscle). This is an absolute indication to terminate the exercise test immediately.