Excessive Fluid in the Pleural Cavity Would Be Most Likely

Question

Excessive fluid in the pleural cavity would be most likely to cause:
A)increased residual volume.
B)decreased vital capacity.
C)increased functional reserve volume.
D)decreased tidal volume.

Accepted Answer

Excessive fluid in the pleural cavity, known as pleural effusion, can compress the lungs and reduce their ability to fully expand during inhalation. This results in a decrease in vital capacity, or the maximum amount of air that can be exhaled after a maximum inhalation. Excessive fluid in the pleural cavity would not necessarily affect residual volume, functional reserve volume, or tidal volume.