Lung Capacity

• What does a spirometer measure?

  Lung capacity
• What is a spirometer?

  A chamber filled with oxygen that floats on a tank of water. With a pen attached to tract the movement of the chamber to produce a trace
• What happens to the chamber when breathing in?

  Breathing takes in oxygen from the chamber, so the top of the chamber sinks
• What happens to the chamber when breathing out?

  Breathing out pushes air into the chamber, so the top of the chamber rises
• Why does the overall volume of the chamber decrease over time?

  Air breathed out is a mixture of O2 and CO2. CO2 is absorbed by the soda lime mixture
• Why should the spirometer mouthpiece be disinfected or sterilized between users?

  To prevent the spread of infections
• Why must there be sufficient fresh air/oxygen in the spirometer chamber?

  To ensure the user has enough oxygen
• How is carbon dioxide buildup managed in a spirometer?

  Soda lime is used to absorb carbon dioxide
• Why should only healthy individuals use a spirometer?

  To prevent risks to people with respiratory conditions
• Why should the water level in a spirometer be below the opening of the tube?

  To prevent water from entering the breathing tube
• What are the safety precautions for using a spirometer?

  • Disinfect or sterilize mouthpiece between users
  • Ensure sufficient fresh air/oxygen in chamber
  • Use soda lime to manage carbon dioxide buildup
  • Restrict use to healthy individuals
  • Keep water level below tube opening