Question

A 60-year-old male hospital client with a diagnosis of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is undergoing lung function tests to gauge the progression of his disease. Which aspect of the lung volume will the respiratory therapist be most justified in using to guide interpretation of the test results?

Answer 1

It is necessary that the therapist checks if the vital capacity will equal the patient's combined inspiratory reserve, expiratory reserve and tidal volume, so that he will have an idea about how the lungs are behaving at this point and what is the best step to take with the patient.