Question

What does a pulmonary flow-volume loop of laryngeal edema look like?

a) Scooped-out pattern
b) Rounded configuration
c) Flattened loop
d) Narrowed loop

Answer 1

A pulmonary flow-volume loop of laryngeal edema shows a flattened loop because of the narrowing of the upper airway, indicating fixed extrathoracic airway obstruction.

Step-by-step explanation:

The pulmonary flow-volume loop of laryngeal edema typically shows a flattened loop. Laryngeal edema is a condition characterized by swelling of the larynx, which can affect the airway and lead to breathing difficulties. When this condition is reflected in the flow-volume loop, the loop appears flattened, indicating a decrease in airflow. This occurs because laryngeal edema leads to a narrowing of the upper airway, which results in a restriction that is evident during both inspiration and expiration. Specifically, there may be a flattening in the inspiratory and expiratory portions of the flow-volume loop, indicating fixed extrathoracic airway obstruction.