Question: Describe how albuterol and Accolate® help control asthma and provide relief to asthma patients. Refer to relevant respiratory anatomy as well as the changes that occur in the airways of an asthmatic.

Answer: Albuterol works to relax the airway muscles and opening the breathing passages for up to 6 hours. Accolate works by blocking the activity of natural substances(leukotrienes) that may cause or worsen asthma.

Question: Why do you think Melissa is instructed to use the albuterol inhaler prior to exercise and before she ever has any symptoms?

Answer: So it can reduce or prevent the chance of her asthma flaring up while exercising, and can also open up her lungs so she can breathe better.

Question: Why might the lung volume of an athlete, singer, or wind instrument musician be different from someone who does not participate in any of these activities?

Answer: It might be different because they are able to control their breathing and increase their lung volume and improve their quality of breathing.

Question: Why is there a difference between lung volumes for males and females?

Answer: Males had on average a larger lung capacity. This could be because men have larger chest cavities.

Question: Describe the process we used in the lab to measure lung volumes. Describe the equipment used, the lung volumes measured, and an explanation of the results of the testing.

Answer:

Question: Describe three steps in the process of evaluating the patient, Melissa Martin throughout the process of diagnosing her with asthma.

Answer: Step 1: They gave her the peak flow meter.

Step 2: The doctors concluded that she needed to go back and have an assessment by a spirometer to test her breathing.

Step 3: The doctors gave her a prescription for an inhaler and accolade to stop symptoms of asthma so she can breathe better.

Question: TV

Answer: Volume of air inhaled and exhaled with each normal respiration which is approximately 500ml

Question: IRV

Answer: volume of air that can be forcibly inhaled following a normal inspiration. Ranges from 1900 3100ml.

Question: ERV

Answer: The expiratory reserve volume, the volume of air that can be forcibly exhaled after a normal expiration. Ranges between 700 to 1200ml.

Question: VC

Answer: Total exchangeable air of the lungs. Ranges between 700 and 1200ml.