Exam 4 - Calculations for Respiratory Questions And Answers 2025/2026
Calculation/Definition for Tidal Volume? - CORRECT ANSWER-End of Normal Inspiration MINUS
end of normal expiration.
Avg: 500mL
The volume of air that moves during a single inspiration or expiration. "Breath quietly" normal
breathing.
Calculation/Definition for Inspiratory Reserve Volume (IRV)? - CORRECT ANSWER-From the top
of the peak (highest point) to top of tidal volume curve (or end of normal inspiration).
The additional volume you inspire above the tidal volume (6 fold increase over Vt). "At the end
of quiet inspiration, take in as much additional air as you possibly can." Avg = 3000mL in a 70kg
man.
Calculation/Definition for Expiratory Reserve Volume (ERV)? - CORRECT ANSWER-From the end
of normal expiration to the lowest dipped curve.
The amount of air forcefully exhaled after the end of normal expiration (avg = 1100mL).
Calculation/Definition of Residual Volume (RV)? - CORRECT ANSWER-From the lowest part of
the dipped curve to the bottom of the scale;
, How much air is left in the lungs, trachea, and bronchi upon blowing all the air out/the volume
of air in the respiratory system after maximum exhalation. Cannot be directly measured.
Avg: 1200mL (depends on sizeof person)
Calculation/Definition for Inspiratory Capacity? - CORRECT ANSWER-Tidal Volume (Vt) +
Inspiratory Reserve Volume (IRV).
Definition: How much you can breathe in.
Calculation for Vital Capacity? - CORRECT ANSWER-Tidal Volume (Vt) + Inspiratory Reserve
Volume (IRV) + Expiratory Reserve Volume (ERV).
Represents the maximum amount of air that can be voluntarily moved into or out of the
respiratory system with one breath.
Calculation for Functional Residual Capacity (FRC)? - CORRECT ANSWER-Expiratory Reserve
Volume (ERV) + Reserve Volume (RV).
Calculation for Total Lung Capacity (TLC)? - CORRECT ANSWER-Tidal Volume (Vt) + Inspiratory
Reserve Volume (IRV) + Expiratory Reserve Volume (ERV) + Reserve Volume (RV).
Calculation/Definition for Minute Ventilation? - CORRECT ANSWER-Breaths/min x Tidal Volume
(mL/breath).
Total volume of air entering and leaving the respiratory system each minute.
Calculation/Definition for Tidal Volume? - CORRECT ANSWER-End of Normal Inspiration MINUS
end of normal expiration.
Avg: 500mL
The volume of air that moves during a single inspiration or expiration. "Breath quietly" normal
breathing.
Calculation/Definition for Inspiratory Reserve Volume (IRV)? - CORRECT ANSWER-From the top
of the peak (highest point) to top of tidal volume curve (or end of normal inspiration).
The additional volume you inspire above the tidal volume (6 fold increase over Vt). "At the end
of quiet inspiration, take in as much additional air as you possibly can." Avg = 3000mL in a 70kg
man.
Calculation/Definition for Expiratory Reserve Volume (ERV)? - CORRECT ANSWER-From the end
of normal expiration to the lowest dipped curve.
The amount of air forcefully exhaled after the end of normal expiration (avg = 1100mL).
Calculation/Definition of Residual Volume (RV)? - CORRECT ANSWER-From the lowest part of
the dipped curve to the bottom of the scale;
, How much air is left in the lungs, trachea, and bronchi upon blowing all the air out/the volume
of air in the respiratory system after maximum exhalation. Cannot be directly measured.
Avg: 1200mL (depends on sizeof person)
Calculation/Definition for Inspiratory Capacity? - CORRECT ANSWER-Tidal Volume (Vt) +
Inspiratory Reserve Volume (IRV).
Definition: How much you can breathe in.
Calculation for Vital Capacity? - CORRECT ANSWER-Tidal Volume (Vt) + Inspiratory Reserve
Volume (IRV) + Expiratory Reserve Volume (ERV).
Represents the maximum amount of air that can be voluntarily moved into or out of the
respiratory system with one breath.
Calculation for Functional Residual Capacity (FRC)? - CORRECT ANSWER-Expiratory Reserve
Volume (ERV) + Reserve Volume (RV).
Calculation for Total Lung Capacity (TLC)? - CORRECT ANSWER-Tidal Volume (Vt) + Inspiratory
Reserve Volume (IRV) + Expiratory Reserve Volume (ERV) + Reserve Volume (RV).
Calculation/Definition for Minute Ventilation? - CORRECT ANSWER-Breaths/min x Tidal Volume
(mL/breath).
Total volume of air entering and leaving the respiratory system each minute.
