A 60-Year-Old Man Is Evaluated for a Right Lung Mass

A 60-year-old man is evaluated for a right lung mass, which was discovered on a chest x-ray performed one month ago due to persistent cough.  He has had no chest pain, dyspnea, or hemoptysis.  The patient has no other medical conditions and takes no medications.  He is an ex-smoker with a 20-pack-year history.  Physical examination shows clear lungs, normal heart sounds, and no lymphadenopathy or abdominal organomegaly.  CT scan shows a 4-cm mass in the right oblique fissure with no enlarged lymph nodes.  Bronchoscopy-guided biopsy reveals squamous cell carcinoma.  A subsequent PET scan shows no metastatic lesions, and a right pneumonectomy is planned.  Which of the following is likely to provide the best assessment of postoperative pulmonary morbidity in this patient?

A) End-tidal CO₂ level
B) FEV1
C) Maximal inspiratory pressure
D) Oxygen saturation during exercise
E) Residual volume to total lung capacity ratio

Correct Answer:

Verified

Unlock this answer now
Get Access to more Verified Answers free of charge

Access For Free