Reading and interpretation of PFTs and Spirometry
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The number of patients with some combination of disease, chronic illness, functional limitations, cognitive disability, and/or frailty is becoming more prevalent. Management of chronic diseases coupled with individualized patient-centered care goals is paramount for reducing hospitalizations & ED visits in communities. Polypharmacy & lack of deprescribing are leading causes of hospitalization & ED visits in the over-65 population. Our geriatric patients have multiple diagnoses, each with recs that generally include numerous meds. As the primary care provider & serving as the 'helicopter pilot' for these patients, we must review all the meds from all specialty providers & see what can be done to consolidate & reduce them. 'Pill burden' & the physical & emotional strain of managing multiple medications are a financial problem for patients and a displeasing part of patients' daily routines.
We will delve into the factors influencing geriatric medication absorption and prescribing practices during the workshop. We'll discuss references & apply these principles through several group-based, hands-on case studies, empowering you with practical knowledge and skills.
This workshop is designed to be highly interactive, incorporating audiovisual videos, PowerPoint presentations, graphics, questions, group discussions, & hands-on medication reconciliation. It encourages active participation and peer interaction, fostering a collaborative learning environment where everyone's input is valued
*Due to rapidly changing clinical knowledge, once purchased, you have 90 days access to complete this education.
Credits: 1.5 Contact Hours; 1.5 are Pharmacology
This activity is designated for 1.5 AAPA Category 1 CME credits. Approval is valid from 2/23/2026 to 2/23/2027 . PAs should only claim credit commensurate with the extent of their participation.
Expiration Date: December 31, 2026
$40
LEARNING OBJECTIVES
After taking part in this educational activity, participants should be better able to:
1. Identify the key components of spirometry and pulmonary function testing (PFTs), including FEV1, FVC, FEV1/FVC ratio, TLC, and DLCO.
2. Differentiate between obstructive, restrictive, and mixed ventilatory patterns using spirometry and full PFT results.
3. Interpret bronchodilator response and apply findings to clinical diagnosis and treatment planning. >
Kristin Himes
PA-C
I am a dedicated healthcare professional specializing in pulmonology and sleep medicine for the past 12 years. As a certified PA, I bring a wealth of clinical experience in diagnosing and managing complex respiratory conditions as well as sleep disorders that affect millions of people every year. I have a passion for patient education and evidence-based care and play a vital role in helping individuals breath easier and sleep better.
Steven Prohaska PA-C
Stephen Prohaska is a certified Physician Assistant with ten years of clinical experience, including seven years specializing in pulmonary and sleep medicine. He earned his Master of Physician Assistant Studies from the Medical College of Georgia–Augusta University after graduating from the Georgia Institute of Technology, and was inducted into Pi Alpha, the national physician assistant honor society.
Stephen’s clinical work focuses on delivering evidence-based, personalized respiratory care while advancing the integration of emerging technologies into everyday practice. He is actively involved in applying artificial intelligence to pulmonary and sleep medicine, with a focus on improving diagnostic accuracy, clinical decision-making, and patient outcomes.
He is an active member of several professional organizations, including the American Academy of Physician Assistants (AAPA), Association of Pulmonary Advanced Practice Providers (APAPP), North Carolina Academy of Physician Assistants (NCAPA), American College of CHEST Physicians, and the American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM). Stephen is certified by the National Certifying Commission of Physician Assistants and licensed by the North Carolina Medical Board.
Outside of clinical practice, Stephen is passionate about healthcare education and thoughtful technology adoption. He enjoys spending time with his family and unwinds through woodworking, hiking, and building forts with his children.
CE/CME INFORMATION
Obtain Your Credits
To earn credits for this activity, navigate to the Content(s) tab and complete all course components in the following order: 1) watch the course presentation video; 2) complete the course evaluation; 3) pass the post-test with a score of 2/3 (66.7%) or higher. You may retake the post-test until a passing score is achieved, at which point you will be able to view/print a copy of your certificate of completion. This online certificate will also be saved within your profile 'My Courses/Certificates' -> 'Transcript/Certificates Earned' for future access.
Designation Statement
NPACE designates this educational activity for a maximum of 1.5 contact hours, of which 1.5 is pharmacology credit. Participants should claim only credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.
This activity is designated for 1.5 AAPA Category 1 CME credits. Approval is valid from 2/23/2026 to 2/23/2027
Accreditation Statement
Nurse Practitioner Associates for Continuing Education is accredited as a provider of nursing continuing professional development by the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s Commission on Accreditation.
This activity has been reviewed by the American Academy of Physician Associates Review Panel and is compliant with AAPA CME Criteria. This activity is designated for 1.5 AAPA Category 1 CME credits. Approval is valid from 2/23/2026 to 2/23/2027. PAs should only claim credit commensurate with the extent of their participation.
DISCLOSURES
Faculty
Contributing faculty, Kristin Himes PA-C & Stephen Prohaska PA-C have disclosed no relevant financial relationship.
Planners
All planners and contributors involved in this educational activity have disclosed no relevant financial relationships.
Disclaimer
The material presented in this continuing education program is being made available for educational purposes only and is not intended to represent the best or only methods, medications and/or guidelines appropriate for the medical situation discussed. Rather the material is intended to present an approach, view, statement, or opinion of the presenter(s), which may be helpful, or of interest to other practitioners and should not be used by clinicians without the evaluation of their patient’s conditions and possible contraindications on dangers in use, review of any applicable manufacturer’s product information, and comparison with recommendations of other authorities. NPACE disclaims any liability, loss, injury, or damage incurred as a consequence, directly or indirectly, of the use and application of any information given in a presentation.
Disclosure of Unlabeled Use
This educational activity may mention the uses of products that are not approved by the FDA for the indication(s) being discussed. The presenter(s) are instructed to notify participants when they are discussing unapproved uses or investigational agents. The opinions related to unapproved uses of products are solely those of the presenter(s) and are not endorsed or recommended by NPACE. Please refer to the official prescribing information for each product for discussion of approved indications, contraindications, and warnings.
Commercial Support
There is no commercial support for this activity.
