Question

Which of the following might cause a person's actual vital capacity to be LOWER than their estimated vital capacity (prelab)? Select all that apply:

A) Respiratory illness
B) Smoking
C) Sedentary lifestyle
D) Obesity
E) Age-related decline

Answer 1

Factors like respiratory illness, smoking, a sedentary lifestyle, obesity, and age-related decline can cause a person's actual vital capacity to be lower than estimated. Pneumonia and lung fibrosis are conditions that lead to decreased lung compliance and result in reduced lung volumes.

Step-by-step explanation:

Factors that might cause a person's actual vital capacity to be lower than their estimated vital capacity include:

Conditions such as pneumonia, which can be caused by fungi, bacteria, or viruses, often lead to inflammation and fluid in the lungs, potentially decreasing vital capacity. Moreover, diseases like fibrosis cause reduced lung compliance, which results in increased resistance during breathing and reduced lung volumes.