Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Intermediate Practice Exam

What is the average tidal volume, including dead space volume, for an adult male?

1. 250 mL

2. 300 mL

3. 500 mL

4. 600 mL

The correct answer is: 500 mL

The average tidal volume for an adult male, which encompasses both the volume of air inhaled and exhaled in one breath as well as the dead space volume (the air that does not participate in gas exchange), is approximately 500 mL. This volume represents the typical amount of air that moves in and out of the lungs during normal breathing. In the context of adult physiology, the tidal volume can vary based on factors such as body size, age, and fitness level, but 500 mL is a widely accepted average for healthy adult males at rest. Dead space represents areas of the respiratory system where air cannot be used for gas exchange, such as the trachea and bronchi, which are included in this average tidal volume figure. The other options reflect values typically associated with different conditions or populations, thus not representing the average expected for an adult male.