The best assessment of the function of the diaphragm during ...

[jeatrice]

The best assessment of the function of the diaphragm during inspiration is obtained by measuring which of the following?
 
  a. Airway resistance
  b. Pressure-time product
  c. Pressure-volume curve
  d. Maximum inspiratory pressure

Question 2

The energy required to move gas through the airways and expand the thorax is known as which of the following?
 
  a. Airway resistance
  b. Dynamic compliance
  c. Intrinsic work of breathing
  d. Extrinsic work of breathing

[Ahernandez18]

Answer to Question 1

ANS: B
The pressure-time product is a way of estimating the contributions of the diaphragm during in-spiration. It is probably a better indication of a patient's effort to breathe than measurement of work derived from pressure-volume curves. Airway resistance is a measure of how much opposi-tion there is to gas movement through the airways. An increase in airway resistance will cause the diaphragm to work harder. However, airway resistance is not a direct way of assessing the func-tion of the diaphragm. Maximum inspiratory pressure provides nonspecific information about the function of the respiratory muscles in general, not specifically the diaphragm.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: C
Intrinsic work of breathing is a result of work done to overcome normal elastic and resistive forces and work to overcome a disease process affecting normal workloads in the lungs and thorax. Airway resistance is the opposition to airflow from nonelastic forces of the lung. Dynam-ic compliance is a measurement of the ease of movement of gas through the airways. The work of breathing is a result of the airway resistance, dynamic compliance, and static compliance.