In patients with small-airway disease breathing at higher than normal frequencies, what is likely to happen?
1) Dynamic compliance drops.
2) Oxygen consumption decreases.
3) The distribution of ventilation worsens.
4) The work of breathing increases.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Breathing at higher than normal frequencies can lead to a decrease in dynamic compliance (the ease with which the lungs can expand and contract) in patients with small-airway disease, and also an increase in the work of breathing. Additionally, the distribution of ventilation may worsen as air tends to get trapped in the small airways, leading to an increase in dead space ventilation. However, oxygen consumption may not necessarily decrease in this scenario, and is not directly related to small-airway disease or breathing frequency.

In Patients with Small-Airway Disease Breathing at Higher Than Normal