In this final video of our mini-series on flow volume loops, Tonya Piehl breaks down one of the trickiest respiratory physiology topics—airway obstructions—so you actually understand it for the NBRC TMC and CSE exams.
Learn how to identify and differentiate:
• Variable intrathoracic obstructions (e.g., tracheomalacia, intrathoracic tumors)
• Variable extrathoracic obstructions (e.g., vocal cord dysfunction, upper tracheal stenosis)
• Fixed airway obstructions (e.g., subglottic stenosis from prolonged intubation)
Using simplified explanations, visual diagrams, and real-world clinical reasoning, this lecture teaches you how these conditions affect inspiratory and expiratory flow patterns on the flow-volume loop—without relying on rote memorization.
🎯 Perfect for: Respiratory therapy students, RT educators, and anyone prepping for the NBRC boards.
📈 Key NBRC concepts covered: Upper vs. lower airway obstructions, dynamic vs. fixed obstructions, TMC application-level test prep, respiratory mechanics, pulmonary function interpretation.
