The volume of air that can be exhaled forcibly after exhalation of normal tidal volume is:

Appeared in: NHM UP Staff Nurse-2023 Shift-2nd

Explanation

The question asks for the volume of air that can be forcibly exhaled after a normal exhalation.
This specific volume is defined as the Expiratory Reserve Volume (ERV).
It represents the reserve capacity of the lungs for forceful expiration beyond the normal, passive exhalation of tidal volume.
The average value for ERV in a healthy adult male is about 1100 mL.

Option B: Inspiratory Reserve Volume (IRV) is related to inhalation, not exhalation. It is the extra volume of air that can be forcefully inhaled after a normal tidal inspiration.
Option C: Tidal Volume (TV) is the volume of air moved during a normal, quiet breath, not a forceful one. The question specifies a forcible exhalation after a normal breath.
Option D: Residual Volume (RV) is the air that remains in the lungs even after the most forceful exhalation possible. It cannot be voluntarily exhaled.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Pulmonary Lung Volumes as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Understanding lung volumes is fundamental for interpreting pulmonary function tests (PFTs), such as spirometry, which are used to diagnose and manage respiratory diseases.
A decreased ERV can be seen in conditions that restrict lung expansion, such as obesity, ascites, or pregnancy, as the diaphragm's movement is limited.
Nurses often assist with or perform spirometry at the bedside and must understand these values to identify changes in a patient's respiratory status.

How to Approach the Question

First, analyze the question to identify the key defining actions. The keywords are 'exhaled forcibly' and 'after exhalation of normal tidal volume'.
This breaks the action into two parts: a normal exhalation followed by a forceful exhalation.
Recall the definitions of the four primary lung volumes.
Match the definition from the question to the correct term. 'Expiratory' relates to exhalation, and 'Reserve' implies an additional amount beyond normal.
Therefore, 'Expiratory Reserve Volume' is the logical choice.
Review the other options to confirm they do not fit the definition. IRV is for inspiration, TV is for normal breathing, and RV is air that cannot be exhaled.

Concept Tested & Keywords

Concept Tested: Pulmonary Lung Volumes
Stem keywords: volume of air, exhaled forcibly, after exhalation, normal tidal volume
Lead-in keywords: is

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E6 Physiology Guyton 4SAE Part 2A p. 56-58

Practise the full NHM UP Staff Nurse-2023 Shift-2nd

Attempt every question from this paper in a timed mock, then review the full solution for each one.