What device is used to measure lung volumes?

A spirometer is the device specifically designed to measure lung volumes. It operates by quantifying the amount of air a person can inhale and exhale, as well as the rate at which the air is exchanged. This information is crucial for assessing lung function and diagnosing conditions like asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and other respiratory disorders.

In the context of lung volume measurement, spirometry provides data such as tidal volume, forced vital capacity, and forced expiratory volume. These metrics can help healthcare practitioners evaluate a patient’s respiratory health and guide treatment decisions.

Other devices listed serve different purposes: a stethoscope is used for auscultation to listen to internal sounds, a flow meter measures the rate of airflow, and a pulse oximeter measures the oxygen saturation level in the blood. None of these devices provide direct measurements of lung volumes like a spirometer does, making it the correct response in this context.