A pulmonary disorder causes the alveoli to break down and coalesce into large air spaces. The lungs also lose elasticity and compliance is increased. A person who suffers from this disease will have
**Core Concept**
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is characterized by the breakdown and coalescence of alveoli into large air spaces, leading to decreased lung elasticity and increased compliance. This results in the formation of emphysematous bullae, which significantly impact lung function and gas exchange.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
The destruction of alveoli in COPD leads to an increase in dead space, as the damaged areas no longer participate in gas exchange. This results in a decrease in the effective surface area for gas exchange, making it difficult for the lungs to adequately oxygenate the blood. The increased compliance of the lungs also leads to a decrease in lung volumes, as the lungs are less able to expand and fill with air. As a result, the patient will have an increased dead air space, which is a hallmark of emphysema.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
**Option B:** Increased vital capacity is not seen in COPD, as the disease process leads to a decrease in lung volumes due to the destruction of alveoli and decreased lung elasticity.
**Option C:** Decreased PCO2 in the blood is not a direct result of COPD, as the disease primarily affects the ability of the lungs to oxygenate the blood rather than remove CO2.
**Option D:** Decreased anteroposterior diameter is not a characteristic of COPD, as the disease process can lead to an increase in lung volume and a decrease in lung elasticity, resulting in a barrel-shaped chest.
**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
COPD is characterized by a "bullae-like" appearance on chest radiographs, with large air-filled spaces replacing the normal lung tissue. This is a classic radiographic finding in patients with emphysema.
**✓ Correct Answer: A. Increased dead air space**