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The individual with emphysema attempts to forcefully expire, which exacerbates (worsens) the problem of airway collapse, since now the floppy airways are excessively compressed by the tremendous rise in intrathoracic pressure. Additionally, a person with emphysema has a __________ residual volume due to not being able to expire the normal volume of air; this causes a(n) __________ in vital capacity.

a. Increased, increase
b. Decreased, decrease
c. Increased, decrease
d. Decreased, increase

1 Answer

3 votes

Final answer:

The individual with emphysema has a decreased residual volume and a decrease in vital capacity.

Step-by-step explanation:

The individual with emphysema attempts to forcefully expire, which exacerbates (worsens) the problem of airway collapse, since now the floppy airways are excessively compressed by the tremendous rise in intrathoracic pressure. Additionally, a person with emphysema has a decreased residual volume due to not being able to expire the normal volume of air; this causes a decrease in vital capacity.

Examples of restrictive diseases like fibrosis also lead to decreased compliance of the lung tissue, causing the airways to stiffen and collapse upon exhalation, which traps air in the lungs. This results in a decreased forced or functional vital capacity (FVC) and difficulty exhaling the normal volume of air.

Therefore, the correct answer is b. Decreased, decrease.

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