Question

Which of the following spirometry readings is most likely to be found in obstructive lung disease (i.e., COPD)?

A) Increased forced vital capacity (FVC)
B) Decreased forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1)
C) Normal FEV1/FVC ratio
D) Increased peak expiratory flow (PEF)

Answer 1

In obstructive lung disease, the most likely spirometry reading to be found is a decreased FEV1. This is because obstructive lung diseases, such as COPD, cause airway obstruction and difficulty in exhaling air.

Step-by-step explanation:

In obstructive lung disease, the most likely spirometry reading to be found is a decreased forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1). This is because obstructive lung diseases, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), cause airway obstruction and difficulty in exhaling air. As a result, the FEV1 value is reduced.

In addition to a decreased FEV1, obstructive lung disease is also characterized by a normal FEV1/FVC ratio. This means that the ratio of the amount of air forcefully exhaled in one second (FEV1) to the total amount of air exhaled (FVC) is within the normal range.