On inspecting a volume-pressure curve for a patient with restrictive lung disease, which of the following abnormalities would you expect to find?
1) Decrease in the slope of the volume-pressure curve
2) Increase in the area of the volume-pressure curve
3) Positive P_pl during exhalation

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Restrictive lung disease is characterized by reduced lung compliance, which means that the lung is stiffer and harder to inflate. This leads to a decrease in the slope of the volume-pressure curve, as less volume can be accommodated for a given pressure change. Additionally, the area under the curve may increase, reflecting the fact that the patient has to work harder to inhale/exhale a given volume of air. However, positive P_pl during exhalation (i.e. expiratory flow limitation) is not a feature of restrictive lung disease, but rather of obstructive lung disease. Therefore, the correct answer is C).

On Inspecting a Volume-Pressure Curve for a Patient with Restrictive