The Question is from neet-zoology breathing-and-exchange-of-gases disorders-of-respiratory-system, and it was created by the author BALASOURY

Question

A patient with emphysema exhibits increased lung compliance and a prolonged expiratory phase.  Which physiological change BEST explains these findings?

BALASOURY · Accepted Answer

## CORE INFORMATION
✓ **Answer**: B
## CONCEPT FRAMEWORK
 **Primary Concept**: Pulmonary mechanics and the effects of emphysema
 **Related Topics**: Lung volumes and capacities, airway resistance, elastic recoil, expiration
 **Prerequisites**: Understanding of lung compliance, elastic recoil, and airflow dynamics.
## SOLUTION PATHWAY
**Given Information**:
  Increased lung compliance
  Prolonged expiratory phase
  Patient has emphysema
**Method & Steps**:
 1. Analyze the given information: Emphysema is a chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) characterized by the destruction of alveolar walls and loss of elastic recoil in the lungs.
  Reasoning:  Increased lung compliance means the lungs expand easily, but this is not the whole picture.  The prolonged expiratory phase suggests difficulty exhaling.
  Formula/Rule: None directly applicable, this is a qualitative analysis.
 2. Consider the options: 
  Working: Option B directly addresses the loss of elastic recoil, which is a hallmark of emphysema.  Loss of recoil makes it harder for the lungs to passively deflate during expiration, leading to a prolonged expiratory phase.  The destruction of alveolar walls also contributes to increased compliance because the lungs lose their structural integrity and become more distensible.
  Key Point:  Emphysema primarily affects the elastic properties of the lungs, not primarily airway resistance (though that can be a secondary effect).
 3. Evaluate other options: Options A, C, and D describe other pathophysiological processes that may contribute to respiratory problems, but they don't primarily explain the increased compliance and prolonged expiration seen in emphysema.
  Result: Option B, 'Loss of elastic recoil and airway collapse during expiration', best explains the findings.
  Verification:  The description aligns with the known pathophysiology of emphysema.
 ## OPTION ANALYSIS
A :x: Increased airway resistance due to bronchospasm is more characteristic of asthma than emphysema. While airway resistance can be increased in emphysema, it's not the primary cause of increased compliance and prolonged expiration.
B ✓: Loss of elastic recoil and airway collapse during expiration accurately describes the key physiological changes in emphysema. The loss of elastic recoil prolongs expiration, and the airway collapse further hinders airflow.
C :x: Thickened bronchial walls and mucus plugging are features of chronic bronchitis, another COPD, but not the primary cause of increased compliance and prolonged expiration in emphysema.
D :x: Increased surfactant production is unlikely in emphysema and wouldn't explain the increased compliance and prolonged expiration. Surfactant deficiency would lead to decreased compliance.
 ## LEARNING AIDS
 **Common Mistakes**:
  1.Confusing emphysema with asthma or chronic bronchitis: Understanding the distinct pathophysiological mechanisms of each COPD is crucial for accurate diagnosis and treatment.
  2.Focusing solely on increased compliance:  The prolonged expiratory phase is a critical clue that highlights the role of elastic recoil.
 **Quick Tips**:
  1.Remember the key features of emphysema: loss of elastic recoil, increased compliance, and air trapping.
  2.Visualize the alveolar damage in emphysema and how it affects lung elasticity and airflow.

BALASOURY · Answer

Increased airway resistance due to bronchospasm

BALASOURY · Answer

The correct Option is "Loss of elastic recoil and airway collapse during expiration"

BALASOURY · Answer

Thickened bronchial walls and mucus plugging

BALASOURY · Answer

Increased surfactant production leading to alveolar instability

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