During a clinical study examining the diffusion of gas between the alveolar compartment and the pulmonary capillary blood, men between the ages of 20 and 50 years are evaluated while they hold a sitting position. After inhaling a water-soluble gas that rapidly combines with hemoglobin, the concentration of the gas in the participant's exhaled air is measured and the diffusion capacity is calculated. Assuming that the concentration of the inhaled gas remains the same, which of the following is most likely to increase the flow of the gas across the alveolar membrane?
ADeep exhalation
BEntering a cold chamber
CTreadmill exercise
DStanding straight
EAssuming a hunched position
A 60-year-old woman presents to the clinic with a 3-month history of shortness of breath that worsens on exertion. She also complains of chronic cough that has lasted for 10 years. Her symptoms are worsened even with light activities like climbing up a flight of stairs. She denies any weight loss, lightheadedness, or fever. Her medical history is significant for hypertension, for which she takes amlodipine daily. She has a 70-pack-year history of cigarette smoking and drinks 3–4 alcoholic beverages per week. Her blood pressure today is 128/84 mm Hg. A chest X-ray shows flattening of the diaphragm bilaterally. Physical examination is notable for coarse wheezing bilaterally. Which of the following is likely to be seen with pulmonary function testing?
ADecreased FEV1: FVC and decreased total lung capacity
BNormal FEV1: FVC and decreased total lung capacity
CIncreased FEV1: FVC and decreased total lung capacity
DDecreased FEV1: FVC and increased total lung capacity
EIncreased FEV1: FVC and normal total lung capacity
A 58-year-old man is brought to the emergency department by his wife 30 minutes after the sudden onset of severe retrosternal chest pain radiating to his back. He has a history of hyperlipidemia, hypertension, and type 2 diabetes mellitus. He has smoked one-half pack of cigarettes daily for 20 years. Medications include aspirin, captopril, atorvastatin, and metformin. His pulse is 80/min and blood pressure is 160/60 mm Hg. A CT scan of the chest is shown. Which of the following is the strongest predisposing factor for this patient's current condition?
AHistory of smoking
BGenetic collagen disorder
CHypertension
DDiabetes mellitus
EAge
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