A 60-year-old man comes to the physician because of a 2-year history of gradually worsening shortness of breath. He smoked half a pack of cigarettes daily for 10 years but stopped 8 years ago. His pulse is 72/min, blood pressure is 135/75 mm Hg, and respirations are 20/min. Examination shows an increased anteroposterior diameter of the chest. Diminished breath sounds are heard on auscultation of the chest. Chest radiography reveals flattened hemidiaphragms, increased radiolucency of the lungs, and a long, narrow heart shadow. Which of the following parameters is most likely to be increased in this patient?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Eductional Objective: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease involves components of chronic bronchitis and emphysema.  Bronchial airway obstruction from chronic bronchitis and decreased alveolar elasticity from emphysema result in air-trapping and lung hyperinflation.  The functional residual capacity is increased, as are residual volume and total lung capacity.

A 60-Year-Old Man Comes to the Physician Because of a 2-Year