From the Guidelines
The volume of air moved with maximum exhalation after deep inhalation measures vital capacity (option a). Vital capacity represents the maximum amount of air a person can expel from their lungs after taking the deepest possible breath. This measurement includes the tidal volume (normal breathing volume), inspiratory reserve volume (extra air that can be inhaled beyond normal breathing), and expiratory reserve volume (extra air that can be exhaled beyond normal breathing). Vital capacity is an important pulmonary function measurement that helps assess lung health and respiratory function. It typically ranges from 3-5 liters in healthy adults but varies based on factors like age, sex, height, and physical condition. Reduced vital capacity may indicate restrictive lung diseases, while other pulmonary function tests like FEV1 (forced expiratory volume in one second) help diagnose obstructive conditions. Vital capacity differs from total lung capacity, which also includes residual volume (air that remains in lungs after maximum exhalation) 1.
Some key points to consider when measuring vital capacity include:
- The use of forced vital capacity (FVC) and forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) to diagnose and assess chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) 1
- The importance of standardizing spirometry measurements to ensure accurate and reliable results 1
- The role of vital capacity in assessing lung health and respiratory function, particularly in relation to restrictive and obstructive lung diseases 1
- The need to consider factors such as age, sex, height, and physical condition when interpreting vital capacity measurements 1
Overall, vital capacity is a crucial measurement in pulmonary function testing, and its accurate assessment is essential for diagnosing and managing various lung diseases. Vital capacity is the most appropriate answer (option a), as it represents the maximum amount of air that can be expelled from the lungs after a deep inhalation.
From the Research
Volume of Air Moved with Maximum Exhalation
The volume of air moved with maximum exhalation after deep inhalation is an important measure of lung function.
- This measure is related to the amount of air that can be expelled from the lungs after a maximum inhalation.
- The correct term for this measure is vital capacity, which is the maximum amount of air a person can expel from the lungs after a maximum inhalation 2.
- Vital capacity is an important measure of lung function, as it can help diagnose and monitor respiratory diseases such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) 3.
- The other options are not correct because:
- Inspiratory reserve volume refers to the amount of air that can be inhaled after a normal inhalation.
- Tidal volume refers to the amount of air that is inhaled and exhaled during normal breathing.
- Residual volume refers to the amount of air that remains in the lungs after a maximum exhalation.
- Total lung volume refers to the total amount of air in the lungs after a maximum inhalation.