Author Question: Explain how emphysema results in respiratory acidosis. What will be an ideal ... (Read 83 times)

Melani1276 · **on:** Jun 25, 2018

Explain how emphysema results in respiratory acidosis.

What will be an ideal response?

Question 2

Explain why mammography provides a sharper image of postmenopausal versus young breasts.

What will be an ideal response?

aburgess · **Reply #1 on:** Jun 25, 2018

Answer to Question 1

Impairment of pulmonary ventilation causes an increase in PCO2 . In emphysema, there is dilatation, destruction, and coalescence of the air spaces distal to the terminal bronchioles with the formation of large cystic spaces and loss of lung elasticity. Because the air can readily enter the lungs so that it can be expelled, the lungs become chronically overinflated. The amount of air that can be inspired is much reduced.

Answer to Question 2

Fibrous and glandular tissues appear as white interlacing strands on a mammogram; fatty tissues appear dark; and cysts and tumors appear as white, well-circumscribed masses. A postmenopausal breast has more fatty tissue that provides a sharper contrast to the lesser amount of fibrous and glandular tissue. A young breast has more fibrous and glandular tissue than fatty tissue such that there is lesser contrast provided to easily detect suspicious masses.