First Aid

Question 1

What is inspiratory reserve volume (IRV)?

Answer 1

Air that can still be breathed in after normal inspiration

Question 2

What is tidal volume (TV)? What is a normal TV measurement?

Answer 2

air that moves into lung with each quiet inspiration, typically 500 ml

Question 3

What is expiratory reserve volume (ERV)?

Answer 3

air that can still be breathed out after normal expiration

Question 4

What is residual volume (RV)?

Answer 4

air in lung after maximal expiration (RV and any lung capacity that includes RV cannot be measured by spirometry)

Question 5

What is inspiratory capacity (IC)?

Answer 5

air that can be breathed in after normal exhalation (IRV + TV)

Question 6

What is vital capacity (VC)?

Answer 6

maximum volume of gas that can be expired after a maximal inspiration (TV + IRV + ERV)

Question 7

What is total lung capacity?

Answer 7

volume of gas present in lungs after a maximal inspiration (IRV + TV + ERV + RV)

Question 8

What is the equation for minute ventilation? What are the normal values for each variable?

Answer 8

VE (minute ventilation) = VT (tidal volume) x RR (respiratory rate)

VT is normally 500 ml/breath, RR is 12-20 breaths/minute