NEET PG / USMLE – MCQ 33

A 45-year-old woman has a 6-month history of progressive shortness of breath on exertion. She does not smoke. Pulmonary function findings are shown (values are given as % of predicted normal):
Vital capacity 60
Forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1) 70
Diffusing capacity for carbon monoxide 50
Maximum voluntary ventilation 60
Which of the following most likely explains her limited ability to increase ventilation?
(A) Airway obstruction
(B) Decreased activation of pulmonary juxtacapillary (J) receptors
(C) Decreased lung compliance
(D) Depression of central chemoreceptors
(E) Depression of peripheral chemoreceptors

Correct answer : (C) Decreased lung compliance