Professional and Linguistic Assessments Board (PLAB) Practice Exam

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What percentage reflects a normal FEV1%?

The correct answer is: 75%

A normal FEV1% indicates how much air a person can forcibly exhale in one second compared to the total amount of air they can exhale. This value is a crucial measurement in assessing lung function and is particularly relevant for diagnosing and monitoring conditions like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and asthma. An FEV1% in the range of 75% to 80% is generally considered normal for most individuals, reflecting that a healthy lung function should allow a person to expel 75% or more of the total volume of air in the first second of a forced expiratory maneuver. Choosing the percentage of 75% aligns with the standard reference values used in pulmonary function tests for adults, as it generally indicates that the individual does not have a significant obstruction in airflow. Magnitudes lower than this threshold may suggest potential respiratory issues, while percentages significantly above might also warrant evaluation but usually indicate very good lung function. Thus, stating 75% as a normal FEV1% is well-supported by clinical guidelines that help define pulmonary health.