Final answer:
In elderly patients, lung compliance decreases, leading to a decrease in vital capacity and usually an increase in residual volume. Increased lung resistance also contributes to the higher work of breathing, especially in conditions causing airway obstruction.
Step-by-step explanation:
In aging elderly patients, lung volumes typically undergo several changes due to alterations in lung compliance and resistance. As the lungs become stiffer and less pliable, or in other words, as lung compliance decreases, we observe a decrease in vital capacity (Option D). This means that the total volume of air that can be exhaled after a maximum inhalation is reduced. Additionally, due to these changes, there is often an increase in residual volume, which is the amount of air that remains in the lungs after a forceful expiration, as the stiffened structures may not allow for complete exhalation. This is contrary to an increase in lung compliance which would decrease the work of breathing. Lung resistance can also increase if there is obstruction in the airways, adding to the challenge of effective pulmonary ventilation.
Furthermore, decreased lung compliance and increased resistance can lead to a higher effort required during breathing, thus increasing the work of breathing. Resistance is crucial to consider in conditions where airways become narrow, such as in an allergic reaction causing airway swelling. This would increase the resistance in the respiratory system, making it harder to breathe. Lastly, to prevent alveoli from collapsing, a sufficiently high residual volume is critical.