Top 10 Questions for Pulmonary Physical Therapist Interview

1. What are the key aspects of assessing a patient with obstructive lung disease (e.g., COPD)?

• Medical history, including smoking history, respiratory symptoms, and exacerbations
• Physical examination, including inspection, palpation, percussion, and auscultation of the chest
• Pulmonary function tests, such as spirometry and lung volumes
• Imaging studies, such as chest X-ray and CT scan

2. Describe the principles of chest percussion and auscultation. How can these techniques be used to assess pulmonary function in patients with respiratory disorders?

Chest Percussion

• Percussion involves tapping the chest wall with your fingers to produce sound waves that travel through the underlying tissues.
• Different densities of tissue (e.g., air, fluid, consolidation) produce different sounds on percussion.

Chest Auscultation

• Auscultation involves listening to the breath sounds through a stethoscope placed on the chest wall.
• Normal breath sounds are vesicular (low-pitched, rustling sounds), while abnormal breath sounds can indicate conditions such as airway obstruction, consolidation, or pleural effusion.

3. Discuss the role of chest physiotherapy in the management of patients with cystic fibrosis.

• Chest physiotherapy helps to clear airway secretions and improve lung function in patients with cystic fibrosis.
• Techniques include postural drainage, percussion, vibration, and breathing exercises.
• Regular chest physiotherapy can help to prevent respiratory infections and improve the overall health and well-being of patients with cystic fibrosis.

4. Explain the indications and contraindications for tracheal suctioning. Describe the steps involved in performing tracheal suctioning on a patient with respiratory failure.

Indications for Tracheal Suctioning

• Inability to clear secretions effectively on one’s own
• Excessive secretions
• Respiratory distress
• Altered mental status

Contraindications for Tracheal Suctioning

• Unstable cardiovascular status
• Recent facial or neck surgery
• Severe laryngospasm

Steps for Tracheal Suctioning

• Prepare the equipment and patient
• Position the suction catheter
• Connect catheter to suction machine
• Apply suction while rotating and withdrawing the catheter
• Repeat as necessary

5. How would you assess a patient with a suspected pulmonary embolism? What imaging tests would you recommend?

• Assess for risk factors, symptoms (e.g., shortness of breath, chest pain), and physical examination findings.
• Recommended imaging tests:
• D-dimer test
• Computed tomography pulmonary angiography (CTPA)
• Ventilation-perfusion scan
• Ultrasound Doppler studies

6. Discuss the principles of mechanical ventilation. Describe the different types of ventilators and their indications.

Principles of Mechanical Ventilation

• Provides mechanical support to breathing when a patient is unable to breathe adequately on their own.
• Involves delivering air or oxygen-air mixture to the lungs through an artificial airway (e.g., endotracheal tube).

Types of Ventilators

• Pressure-controlled ventilation: Controls the pressure delivered to the lungs
• Volume-controlled ventilation: Controls the volume of air delivered to the lungs
• Hybrid ventilation: Combines aspects of both pressure-controlled and volume-controlled ventilation

Indications for Mechanical Ventilation

• Respiratory failure
• Severe respiratory distress
• Neuromuscular disorders
• Post-operative care

7. Describe the role of pulmonary rehabilitation in the management of patients with chronic respiratory diseases.

• Pulmonary rehabilitation is a comprehensive program designed to improve the physical and emotional well-being of patients with chronic respiratory diseases.
• It includes exercise training, education, and support.
• Pulmonary rehabilitation can help patients to improve their exercise capacity, reduce symptoms, and improve their quality of life.

8. What are the common complications associated with prolonged mechanical ventilation? How can these complications be prevented or managed?

Common Complications

• Pneumonia
• Ventilator-associated tracheal stenosis
• Ventilator-induced diaphragm dysfunction
• Barotrauma
• Volutrauma

Prevention and Management

• Use appropriate ventilator settings
• Monitor patient closely
• Provide adequate nutrition and hydration
• Implement ventilator weaning protocols
• Use prophylactic antibiotics

9. How would you approach the management of a patient with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS)?

• Supportive care: Mechanical ventilation, fluid management, antibiotics
• Specific therapies: Prone positioning, neuromuscular blockade, extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO)
• Prognosis: Depends on severity, underlying cause, and patient’s overall health

10. Describe the principles of non-invasive ventilation (NIV). When is NIV indicated and what are its advantages and disadvantages?

Principles of NIV

• Provides ventilatory support without the need for an artificial airway.
• Uses a mask or nasal cannula to deliver air or oxygen-air mixture.

Indications for NIV

• Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
• Acute respiratory failure
• Neuromuscular disorders

Advantages of NIV

• Avoids the need for intubation
• More comfortable for patients
• Reduces the risk of complications

Disadvantages of NIV

• May not be effective for all patients
• Can be difficult to tolerate
• Requires careful monitoring

Pulmonary Physical Therapists (PPTs) play a crucial role in the rehabilitation of patients with respiratory conditions, including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), asthma, and cystic fibrosis. Their primary responsibilities include:

1. Assessment and Evaluation

Conduct comprehensive evaluations to assess patients’ respiratory function, mobility, and overall physical status.

• Perform pulmonary function tests to measure lung capacity, airflow, and gas exchange.
• Conduct physical exams, including auscultation, percussion, and palpation, to identify respiratory impairments.

2. Treatment Planning and Intervention

Develop individualized treatment plans based on patients’ specific needs and goals.

• Prescribe and implement exercise programs to improve respiratory muscle strength, endurance, and flexibility.
• Provide chest physiotherapy techniques, such as postural drainage and percussion, to clear mucus from the lungs.
• Educate patients on proper breathing techniques and lifestyle modifications to manage their condition.

3. Monitoring and Progress Assessment

Regularly monitor patients’ progress and adjust treatment plans as necessary.

• Track patients’ vital signs, oxygen saturation levels, and exercise tolerance.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of interventions and make modifications to optimize outcomes.

4. Patient Education and Support

Provide education and support to patients and their families throughout the rehabilitation process.

• Teach patients about their condition, treatment options, and self-management strategies.
• Offer emotional support and guidance to patients and their families.

Interviews for Pulmonary Physical Therapist positions can be competitive. To increase your chances of success, consider the following tips:

1. Research the Company and Position

Thoroughly research the healthcare organization and specific position you are applying for. Familiarize yourself with their mission, values, and the scope of the role.

• Review the job description and identify the key responsibilities and qualifications.
• Visit the organization’s website and social media pages to gain insights into their culture and values.

2. Highlight Your Skills and Experience

Tailor your resume and cover letter to emphasize your relevant skills and experience. Quantify your accomplishments and provide specific examples to demonstrate your expertise.

• Highlight your experience in pulmonary rehabilitation, including specific techniques and interventions you have employed.
• Share examples of successful patient outcomes you have achieved through your work.

3. Prepare for Common Interview Questions

Practice answering common interview questions related to Pulmonary Physical Therapy. Research the industry and prepare thoughtful responses that showcase your knowledge and abilities.

• Examples of common questions include: Describe your experience in developing and implementing a pulmonary rehabilitation program.
• What are the most effective techniques for improving respiratory muscle strength?

4. Be Professional and Enthusiastic

Dress professionally and arrive on time for your interview. Maintain a positive and confident attitude throughout the process.

• Be prepared to discuss your passion for Pulmonary Physical Therapy and your commitment to helping patients.
• Listen attentively to the interviewer’s questions and respond succinctly and thoughtfully.