Question

Which of the following occurs during an acute asthma attack?

A. vital capacity increases
B. residual lung volume increases
C. inspiratory reserve volume increases
D. tidal volume remains unchanged

Answer 1

An acute asthma attack causes the airways to narrow, increasing residual lung volume due to trapped air. Vital capacity, inspiratory reserve volume and tidal volume do not increase or remain unchanged during such an attack.

Step-by-step explanation:

During an acute asthma attack, the patient's airways swell up and narrow, leading to increased resistance in the respiratory system. This condition does not lead to an increase in vital capacity, inspiratory reserve volume, or keep the tidal volume unchanged. Instead, the correct answer is B. residual lung volume increases, as the narrowed airways make it difficult to exhale fully, trapping air in the lungs.