Spirometer is useful in assessment of all the following pulmonary functions except

Options

A. Vital Capacity (VC)
B. Functional Residual Capacity (FRC)
C. Inspiratory Capacity (IC)
D. Expiratory Capacity (EC)

Answer

To solve the question regarding the usefulness of a spirometer in assessing pulmonary functions, we will analyze the functions that a spirometer can measure and identify the one that it cannot assess.

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Understand the Function of a Spirometer**:
- A spirometer is a device used to measure the volume of air inhaled and exhaled by the lungs. It helps in assessing various pulmonary functions related to breathing.

2. **Identify the Functions Measured by a Spirometer**:
- **Vital Capacity (VC)**: This is the maximum amount of air a person can expel from the lungs after a maximum inhalation. It is measured by a spirometer.
- **Inspiratory Capacity (IC)**: This is the maximum amount of air that can be inhaled after a normal expiration. This is also measured by a spirometer.
- **Expiratory Capacity (EC)**: This refers to the maximum amount of air that can be forcibly exhaled after a normal inhalation. This is measurable by a spirometer.

3. **Identify the Function Not Measured by a Spirometer**:
- **Functional Residual Capacity (FRC)**: This is the volume of air remaining in the lungs after a normal expiration. It includes the residual volume (RV), which cannot be measured by a spirometer because it cannot assess the air that remains in the lungs after a complete exhalation.

4. **Conclusion**:
- The spirometer is useful in assessing vital capacity, inspiratory capacity, and expiratory capacity, but it is **not useful for assessing functional residual capacity**.

### Final Answer:
The spirometer is useful in the assessment of all the following pulmonary functions except **Functional Residual Capacity (FRC)**.