In emphysema, the alveolar walls are destroyed, decreasing...

Name: Problem 14, Chapter :
Uploaded: 2020-07-08T01:35:50-08:00
Duration: 2 min 4 s
Channel: Dennis Howard
Description: In emphysema, the alveolar walls are destroyed, decreasing the recoil of the lung tissue. Which of the following changes may be seen in a patient with emphysema? (A) Increased residual volume (B) Decreased total lung capacity (C) Increased blood concentration of oxygen (D) Decreased blood concentration of carbon dioxide

In emphysema, the alveolar walls are destroyed, decreasing the recoil of the lung tissue. Which of the following changes may be seen in a patient with emphysema? (A) Increased residual volume (B) Decreased total lung capacity (C) Increased blood concentration of oxygen (D) Decreased blood concentration of carbon dioxide

In emphysema, the alveolar walls are destroyed, decreasing the recoil of the lung tissue. Which of the following changes may be
seen in a patient with emphysema?
(A) Increased residual volume
(B) Decreased total lung capacity
(C) Increased blood concentration of oxygen
(D) Decreased blood concentration of carbon dioxide

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Key Concepts

Gas Exchange Impairment

Efficient gas exchange relies on a large surface area and proper ventilation-perfusion matching. When alveolar walls are destroyed, the reduced surface area and altered lung mechanics can lead to significant disturbances in oxygen and carbon dioxide exchange.

Residual Volume and Lung Volumes

Lung volume measurements, such as residual volume and total lung capacity, help assess the degree of air trapping and lung expansion. Increased residual volume is a common finding when the lung's elastic recoil is impaired, leading to air remaining in the lungs after exhalation.

Emphysema

A type of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease characterized by the destruction of alveolar walls, leading to enlarged airspaces and diminished surface area for gas exchange. This pathology underlies many of the changes observed in lung mechanics and function.

Lung Elastic Recoil and Compliance

Elastic recoil is the lung's tendency to return to its original size after being stretched. In conditions where tissue destruction occurs, like emphysema, the loss of structural support decreases elastic recoil and increases lung compliance, resulting in inefficient expulsion of air.

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