Total Compliance 100 mL/cmH2O — FRCA Primary MCQ
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Correct answer: D — 100 mL/cmH2O, representing coupled lung–chest-wall compliance
The best answer is “100 mL/cmH2O, representing coupled lung–chest-wall compliance”. Lung and chest-wall compliances are each approximately 200 mL/cmH2O in a normal adult. Because they act in series, their elastances add, giving a total respiratory-system compliance near 100 mL/cmH2O. Reduced total compliance may result from pulmonary oedema, fibrosis, obesity, abdominal distension or pleural disease.
Reference: Royal College of Anaesthetists, Primary FRCA Syllabus 2021: https://www.rcoa.ac.uk/sites/default/files/documents/2026-01/Primary-FRCA-Syllabus.pdf