Total Compliance 100 mL/cmH2O — FRCA Primary MCQ

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ModeratePhysiology - RespiratoryTotal Compliance 100 mL/cmH2OFRCA Primary

The normal value for total lung compliance in a healthy adult is approximately:

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Correct answer: E — 100 mL/cmH2O

Total respiratory system compliance is approximately 100 mL/cmH2O (lung compliance ~200 mL/cmH2O and chest wall compliance ~200 mL/cmH2O in series: 1/Ctotal = 1/CL + 1/CW). During mechanical ventilation total compliance is monitored. It is reduced by: pulmonary fibrosis / ARDS / pulmonary oedema / pneumothorax / obesity / and abdominal distension.

Reference: Power Kam 2018 Principles of Physiology for the Anaesthetist