Spirometry is used to determine the severity of COPD and to monitor disease progression. This test measures
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Spirometry is the gold standard for COPD diagnosis and staging, measuring airflow obstruction. The ratio of forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEVâ‚) to forced vital capacity (FVC) FEVâ‚/FVC quantifies limitation; a value <0.7 post-bronchodilator confirms COPD, with FEVâ‚ percentage grading severity (e.g., GOLD stages). Residual volume (RV) to FVC isn't standard in basic spirometry RV requires advanced testing (e.g., plethysmography) and reflects air trapping, not routine staging. FVC versus a 6-second exhale (FEV₆) approximates in some settings but isn't the clinical norm for COPD. Respiratory effort and rate aren't spirometric; they're observational. FEVâ‚/FVC's precision, per Deravin and Anderson (2019), tracks obstruction progression and guides therapy, making it foundational for assessing COPD's irreversible nature.