How does fluid accumulation in the lungs affect vital capacity?
A) Vital capacity increases in females but not in males.
B) Vital capacity decreases in females but not in males.
C) Vital capacity increases in both sexes equally.
D) Vital capacity decreases in both sexes equally.
E) Accumulating fluid has no effect on vital capacity.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Fluid accumulation in the lungs, such as in conditions like pulmonary edema, can decrease lung compliance, making it harder to fully expand the lungs during inspiration and decreasing the amount of air that can be exhaled during expiration. This results in a decrease in vital capacity, which is the maximum amount of air that can be forcibly exhaled after a maximum inhalation. This decrease in vital capacity is seen in both males and females equally.

How Does Fluid Accumulation in the Lungs Affect Vital Capacity