American Board of Surgery Qualifying Exam (ABS QE) Practice Test

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Prepare for the ABS QE with flashcards and multiple-choice questions. Each question provides hints and explanations to enhance understanding. Start your journey to becoming a certified surgeon and tackle your exam with confidence!

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How is functional residual capacity (FRC) calculated?

ERV + RV
TV + FVC
RV + TLV
IC + FEV1

The correct answer is: ERV + RV

Functional residual capacity (FRC) is an important measurement in respiratory physiology that refers to the volume of air remaining in the lungs at the end of passive expiration. It is essential for understanding lung mechanics, gas exchange, and the overall function of the respiratory system. The correct calculation for FRC is the sum of the expiratory reserve volume (ERV) and the residual volume (RV). Expiratory reserve volume is the amount of air that can be forcibly exhaled after the expiration of a normal tidal volume, while residual volume is the volume of air remaining in the lungs after a maximal exhalation. When these two volumes are combined, they provide the total volume of air present in the lungs after a normal exhalation, which constitutes the functional residual capacity. Other choices do not accurately reflect the calculation of FRC. The tidal volume (TV) combined with forced vital capacity (FVC) and other combinations presented do not represent the volumes that contribute to FRC. Therefore, understanding the components of FRC and recognizing how they contribute to lung capacity is crucial in respiratory physiology.