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 need to analyze each option given in the question.

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Understanding the 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.

2. **Analyzing the Options**:
- **Vital Capacity (VC)**: This is the maximum amount of air that can be exhaled after a maximum inhalation. It can be measured using a spirometer as it involves both inhalation and exhalation.
- **Functional Residual Capacity (FRC)**: This is the volume of air remaining in the lungs after a normal expiration. It includes the residual volume, which cannot be measured by a spirometer since it only measures the air that is actively inhaled or exhaled.
- **Inspiratory Capacity (IC)**: This is the maximum amount of air that can be inhaled after a normal expiration. This can also be measured by a spirometer as it involves inhalation.
- **Expiratory Capacity (EC)**: This is the maximum amount of air that can be exhaled after a normal inhalation. This can also be measured by a spirometer.

3. **Identifying the Exception**:
- From the analysis, we see that while VC, IC, and EC can all be measured by a spirometer, FRC cannot be measured because it includes residual volume, which is not expelled during normal breathing.

4. **Conclusion**:
- Therefore, the pulmonary function that cannot be assessed by a spirometer is **Functional Residual Capacity (FRC)**.

### Final Answer:
**Functional Residual Capacity (FRC)** is the pulmonary function that cannot be assessed by a spirometer.