In patients with COPD, what is a possible result following a pulmonary function test (PFT)?

In patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), decreased gas exchange efficiency is a common result following a pulmonary function test (PFT). COPD is characterized by airflow limitation and can lead to structural changes in the lungs, such as destruction of alveoli and thickening of airway walls. These changes impair the ability of the lungs to exchange gases effectively.

During a PFT, measurements such as forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) and forced vital capacity (FVC) are taken, which can indicate the degree of airflow obstruction. The reduced airflow can result in inadequate oxygenation of blood and inefficient removal of carbon dioxide, contributing to decreased gas exchange efficiency. This inefficiency is particularly prominent in advanced stages of the disease, where hypoxemia and hypercapnia may occur.

The other options would not typically align with the expected findings in COPD. Increased lung capacity can reflect overinflation in some cases but is not characteristic of the general efficiency of gas exchange. Normal airflow rates are not expected in COPD patients due to the intrinsic airflow limitation caused by the disease. Lastly, increased peak flow rates are generally indicative of a better respiratory function, which is not seen in patients with COPD when measured through PFTs.