An increase in intrinsic work of breathing due to a decrease in static compliance is caused by which of the following?
A) Emphysema
B) Bronchospasm
C) Pulmonary fibrosis
D) Airway inflammation

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Static compliance is influenced by the elastic characteristics of the lungs and thorax.A decrease in static compliance is due to either the lungs becoming stiffer or the thorax's inability to stretch to accommodate volume in the lungs.Pulmonary fibrosis is a pathophysiologic condition that causes the alveoli to become stiffer due to scarring.Therefore,pulmonary fibrosis will increase a patient's work of breathing due to decreases in the static compliance.Emphysema causes an increase in static compliance due to the loss of elastic properties of the lungs and also an increase in airway resistance because of bronchospasm,airway inflammation,and airway edema.Bronchospasm and airway inflammation lead to increased airway resistance and decreased dynamic compliance.

An Increase in Intrinsic Work of Breathing Due to a Decrease