National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE) Practice Exam

Which condition is least likely to demonstrate reduced lung capacity with decreased lung expansion?

1. Interstitial lung disease

2. Sarcoidosis

3. ALS

4. Bronchitis

The correct answer is: Bronchitis

Decreased lung capacity with reduced lung expansion is typically associated with restrictive lung diseases, where the lung tissue or the surrounding structure impedes optimal expansion. In the case of bronchitis, which is primarily an obstructive lung disease, patients often experience an increase in lung volumes due to air trapping and difficulty in exhaling air. In contrast, interstitial lung disease and sarcoidosis lead to scarring and inflammation of lung tissue, which result in a restriction of lung expansion and a corresponding reduction in lung capacity. Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) can also lead to reduced lung capacity due to muscular weakness affecting the respiratory muscles, further contributing to restrictive patterns. Thus, among the listed conditions, bronchitis is the least likely to demonstrate reduced lung capacity with decreased lung expansion, as it primarily affects the airflow and leads to obstructive patterns rather than a restriction of lung volume.