Your patient has normal function of the diaphragm but has a spinal injury that completely prevents any activity of abdominal or intercostal muscles. In this patient you expect to find that:
A) Residual volume is smaller than normal.
B) Vital capacity equals total lung capacity.
C) Intrapleural pressure is positive during expiration.
D) Transpulmonary pressure is negative during expiration.
E) Alveolar pressure is positive during expiration.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

In this patient, the diaphragm can still function normally, allowing for inspiration and expiration. During expiration, the alveolar pressure must become positive to push air out of the lungs, regardless of the activity of the abdominal or intercostal muscles. The other options are not directly related to the scenario described, as they involve different aspects of lung volumes and pressures that are not specifically affected by the described muscle inactivity.

Your Patient Has Normal Function of the Diaphragm but Has