Pulmonary function studies may be indicated as part of the preoperative assessment for a patient with risk factors for pulmonary complications associated with surgery.
Situations where pulmonary function studies should always be done as part of the preoperative assessment:
(1) Patients with a history of smoking.
(2) Patients with active symptoms indicating a pulmonary disorder, such as dyspnea, cough or significant sputum production.
(3) Patients with pulmonary abnormalities identified during physical assessment
(3a) abnormal chest X-ray
(3b) abnormal rate or pattern of breathing
(3c) abnormal breath sounds
Situations where pulmonary function studies may be indicated during the preoperative assessment:
(1) Patients with a significant history of pulmonary infection, especially if current or recurrent.
(2) Patients with morbid obesity.
(3) Patients with evidence of debilitation or malnutrition.
(4) Patients 70 years of age or older.
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