Respiratory physiology: compliance: practice question

A Physiology question in the style of the NEET PG paper. Answer it first, then read why the right option is right and why each of the others is wrong.

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Physiology · Respiratory physiology: compliance

Sample item

Which condition is associated with increased lung compliance?

APulmonary edemaBPulmonary fibrosisCEmphysemaDAcute respiratory distress syndrome

Original practice item, not a recalled exam question. Nothing here is recorded.

The answer and the reasoning

C. Emphysema

Emphysema destroys elastic tissue, making lungs easier to inflate but reducing elastic recoil. Fibrosis and edema make lungs stiff and reduce compliance.

Option by option

A. Pulmonary edema
Edema lowers compliance by filling and stiffening lung tissue.
B. Pulmonary fibrosis
Fibrosis increases stiffness and lowers compliance.
C. Emphysema (correct)
Correct. Loss of elastic recoil increases compliance in emphysema.
D. Acute respiratory distress syndrome
ARDS causes stiff noncompliant lungs.

Source note: Original NextPrep sample item — pending expert review. This item is original practice material awaiting independent expert review, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.

Questions about this Physiology question

What is the answer to this Physiology question?

The best answer is C, Emphysema. Emphysema destroys elastic tissue, making lungs easier to inflate but reducing elastic recoil.

Why is "Pulmonary edema" not the answer?

Edema lowers compliance by filling and stiffening lung tissue.

Why is "Pulmonary fibrosis" not the answer?

Fibrosis increases stiffness and lowers compliance.

Why is "Acute respiratory distress syndrome" not the answer?

ARDS causes stiff noncompliant lungs.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Respiratory physiology: compliance in Physiology. Fibrosis and edema make lungs stiff and reduce compliance.

How hard is this question?

We tag it as an application question: it asks you to use a fact on a patient or a finding. The tag is our own editorial judgement, not an official difficulty rating, so read the reason for every option, not only the answer.

How should I study Respiratory physiology: compliance?

For each system, sketch the key graph (pressure–volume loop, oxygen dissociation curve, nephron handling) and explain it aloud. Then use the flashcards and the other Physiology questions on this site to test what stuck.

Is this a real NEET PG question?

No. It is an original practice item (editorial status: sample, version 1). NextPrep does not publish recalled or leaked questions, and independent faculty review of this item has not been completed yet, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.