Which term stands for a pulmonary function test?

• A. Cystic fibrosis
• B. Mesothelioma
• C. Hypercapnia
• D. PFT

Answer: (D)

Pulmonary function testing refers to a set of standardized measurements that assess how well the lungs are working—how much air they can hold, how quickly air can be moved in and out, and how effectively gases are exchanged. The abbreviation for this whole testing process is PFT, which is the term used to label these lung function assessments. Because PFT is the umbrella label for these evaluations, it is the correct choice. The other terms are not tests: cystic fibrosis is a genetic disease affecting the lungs; mesothelioma is a type of cancer linked to asbestos exposure; hypercapnia means an elevated level of carbon dioxide in the blood.