Which of the following is increased in elderly patients compared with their younger counterpas: (A) Vital capacity, (B) Ventilatory response to hypoxia or hypercarbia, (C) Air trapping, (D) Resting aerial oxygen tension (PaO2 )
Answer is C. The propensity for air trapping is increased with age. In contrast, the vital capacity (A), aerial oxygen tension (C), and ventilatory response to hypoxia or hypocarbia are decreased with age.