Learning Objectives

Upon completion of this module, the student will understand the:

 A. Mechanics of Ventilation

1. Identify the muscles used during inspiration and exhalation
2. Describe the changes that occur in lung and pleural pressures during exhalation
   a. Explain how these changes are significant as they relate to:
   1) Compliance (volume/pressure relationship)
   2) Airway resistance (volume/time relationship)
3. Discuss factors which may alter compliance and airway resistance.
4. Discuss the relationship between compliance, pleural pressures, and airway resistance
5. Describe the mechanics involved in normal inspiration and exhalation.
6. Compare normal mechanics of ventilation to abnormal mechanics as they relate to pathological changes

B. Lung Volumes and Capacities and How They are Determined

1. Define four lung volumes and four lung capacities.
   a. Describe how normal predicted values are determined.
   b. List approximate normal adult ranges for each.
   c. Differentiate between lung volumes and lung capacities.
   d. Diagram the lung volumes and capacities in relationship to each other.