pulmonary tests

I have to have a pulmonary test. What does this involve? I'm a nurse and I should know this, but I'm lost. Lisa

I'm guessing it's probably a pulmonary function test? To see your lung function (probably to relate that to anesthesia)? Do you have pulmonary issues? Some with history of athsma, etc... might need it to determine if anesthesia might be too risky?

You will have to blow into a machine for about thirty minutes while they test your breathing. It is hard and long. When I finished mine I felt like I was gonna pass out. You have to breath normal then blow out air real fast kinda like your gasping. You have to blow like you would in Lamaza class. It is alot of different breathing excersizes it doesn't hurt just makes you dizzy and light headed, because you have to do it for so long. After mine I got a headache. But it's not that bad. Tina

I've done this test twice now because I have asthma. The first time was no big deal. I just had to blow into the machine. They gave me some albuteral at one point. The second time they locked me in a little plastic bubble (for lack of a better word). They weren't even sure I was going to fit. I did fit and I was able to complete the test.