The nurse recognizes that the pattern of pulmonary dysfunction reflected by increased total lung capacity (TLC), functional residual capacity (FRC), and residual volume (RV) is characteristic of:
Explanation
Answer - B - Increased lung volumes (TLC, FRC, RV) and decreased airflow-vital capacity (VC) and forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1)-are functional problems consistent with obstructive lung disease. In restrictive lung disease (Choice A), volumes are generally decreased. Vascular lung disease (Choice C) has no effect on ventilator capacity, but directly affects diffusion of gases; that is, pulmonary infarction decreases blood flow to the lungs, so some alveoli that are ventilated are no longer perfused. Restrictive lung disease is incorrect (Choice D).
