7.3 Measuring the Process

Question 1

What 3 ways can the volume of air being inhaled/exhaled be measured?

Answer 1

Peak flow meter,
Vilatographs,
Spirometer

Question 2

How does a spirometer work?

Answer 2

Patient inhales,
volume in chamber decreases + lid falls,
patient exhales + CO2 reacts with sodalime,
volume in chamber ￪ + lid rises (but lower than previous)

Question 3

Why does the spirometer trace not reach the height of the previous exhale?

Answer 3

some CO2 reacts with sodalime + doesn’t enter chamber,

therefore less volume + pressure due to less molecules

Question 4

What is TIDAL VOLUME?

Answer 4

volume of air inhaled/exhaled in each RESTING BREATH

Question 5

What is VITAL CAPACITY?

Answer 5

MAXIMUM VOLUME of air that can be INHALED

AFTER largest possible EXHALE

Question 6

What is INSPIRATORY RESERVE VOLUME?

Answer 6

MAXIMUM VOLUME of air that can be INHALED

AFTER TIDAL INHALATION

Question 7

What is EXPIRATORY RESERVE VOLUME?

Answer 7

MAXIMUM VOLUME of air that can be EXHALED

AFTER TIDAL EXHALATION

Question 8

What is RESIDUAL VOLUME?

Answer 8

volume of air LEFT in lungs

AFTER largest possible EXHALE

Question 9

What is TOTAL LUNG CAPACITY?

Answer 9

Vital capacity + residual volume

maximum volume of air that can be contained by lungs

Question 10

Ventilation rate =

Answer 10

breathing rate x tidal volume

number of breaths in 1 minute x volume per breath = total volume of air moved in/out in 1 minute