NHA Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA)Clinical Patient CareHard
A medical assistant is reviewing a patient's medical history for a spirometry test. Which of the following conditions is a contraindication for performing spirometry?
- ARecent myocardial infarction
- BMild asthma
- CChronic bronchitis
- DSeasonal allergies
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: A. Recent myocardial infarction
A recent myocardial infarction (within the last month) is a contraindication for spirometry because the forceful exhalation required during the test can increase intrathoracic pressure and put undue stress on the heart, potentially leading to further cardiac complications.
Why the other options are wrong
- B. Mild asthma is often monitored with spirometry to assess lung function and response to treatment, so it is not a contraindication.
- C. Chronic bronchitis is a condition for which spirometry is commonly used to diagnose and monitor lung function.
- D. Seasonal allergies do not typically affect the ability to perform spirometry or pose a risk during the test.
Spirometry Contraindications
Conditions or patient states that make it unsafe or inappropriate to perform a spirometry test.
- Recent MI or unstable angina.
- Recent eye/abdominal/thoracic surgery.
- Active hemoptysis, pneumothorax.
- Aortic aneurysm, uncontrolled hypertension.
Memory trick: Spirometry: Stress on System, Seriously!