Chapter 2, Problem 15RQ

Lung compliance study

Part /: If a patient generates a negative pleural pressure change of -8 cm ${\text{H}}_{\text{2}}\text{O}$ during inspiration, and the lungs accept a new volume of 630 mL, what is the compliance of the lungs?

Part II: If the same patient, 6 hours later, generates a pleural pressure of -12 cm ${\text{H}}_{\text{2}}\text{O}$ during inspiration, and the lungs accept a new volume of 850 mL, what is the compliance of the lungs?

Part III: In comparing Part II to Part I, the patient's lung compliance is

A. increasing.

B. decreasing.