A patient who has smoked her entire adult life is diagnosed with severe emphysema.In measuring her lung ventilation, it was determined that the tidal volume of her lungs is 0.6 liter, her inspiratory reserve volume is 0.5 liter, her vital capacity is 1.5 liters, and her residual volume is 4.5 liters.What is her total lung capacity? Which of these volumes is larger than what you would find in a healthy person?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Total lung capacity is the sum of all lung volumes, including the residual volume. Using the given values, the patient's total lung capacity can be calculated as follows:

Total lung capacity = vital capacity + residual volume
Total lung capacity = 1.5 + 4.5
Total lung capacity = 6 liters

Comparing the given values to typical values for a healthy person, the residual volume of 4.5 liters is much larger than normal (which is typically around 1-1.5 liters). Therefore, choice C is the best answer.

A Patient Who Has Smoked Her Entire Adult Life Is