A patient inhales a tidal volume of 500 mL. The intrapleural pressure was measured as - 4 cm of water before inspiration and - 9 cm of water after inspiration. Calculate the pulmonary compliance in this patient:
(A) 0.1 L/cm (B) 0.3 L/cm (C) 0.2 L/cm (D) 0.4 L cm
(A) Answer- A. 0.1 L/cmThe pulmonary compliance in this patient is 0.1 L/cm H2O.Measure of the lung's ability to stretch & expand (distensibility of elastic tissue).Pulmonary surfactant increases compliance by decreasing the surface tension of water.Pulmonary compliance = DV/ DB