Part One:
The function of the respiratory system is closely tied to its structure and organization. For the discussion this week, choose one component of the respiratory system and discuss how it’s structure helps it to carry out it’s function following the instructions below:
choose a disorder that affects the structure you discussed. Make sure to address the cause of the disorder, signs and symptoms the patient is experiencing, how it is eventually diagnosed, and finally treatment.
Part 2
Pulmonary function tests (PFTs) are important tools for evaluating patients who have symptoms of lung disease or are at risk factor for lung diseases, such as occupational hazards or smoking.
Spirometry and lung volumes may be two PFTs that you have heard of. They help to diagnose obstructive or restrictive lung disease, monitor disease progression, and check whether treatments are effective.
Understanding the different volumes and capacities associated with lung function will help you to better understand PFTs, respiratory disease and treatment for your patients.
Lung volumes include tidal volume (TV), inspiratory reserve volume (IRV), expiratory reserve volume (ERV), and residual volume (RV).
The various lung capacities include inspiratory capacity (IC), vital capacity (VC), functional residual capacity (FRC), and total lung capacity (TLC).
choose 3 different lung volumes or lung capacities to explain in your own words.
research a chronic lung disease (such as asthma, COPD, emphysema, fibrosis, etc) and explain how it affects specific lung volumes and/or capacities.