Sun14November1246PM 2

Is it true that the following changes to the respiratory system occur during pregnancy?

True / False

Decreased alveolar carbon dioxide tension Incorrect answer selected

Unchanged functional residual capacity (FRC) Correct

Increased airway resistance Correct

Decreased expiratory reserve volume Correct

Increased arterial carbon dioxide tension (PaCO2) Incorrect answer selected

Explanation

Alterations in the respiratory system are of great significance to the anaesthetist and may be categorised into anatomical and physiological changes.

During pregnancy the inspiratory reserve volume and the vital capacity, total lung volume (TLV) and FEV1 remain unchanged. Functional residual capacity decreases.

Airway resistance is reduced due to the progesterone relaxing effects.

There is a fall in arterial and alveolar carbon dioxide tensions with a PaCO2. Oxygen consumption and carbon dioxide production are increased by 60% above non-pregnant values at term.

Reference:

Anaesthesia UK. Physiological changes of pregnancy.

Answer Statistics

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Average score: 82.25%

Times answered: 249