A 60 year old with a 25-year history of smoking is diagnosed with emphysema.Assessment shows an increased anterior-posterior chest diameter.The nurse attributes this finding to:
A) air trapping.
B) decreased inspiratory reserve volumes.
C) increased flow rates.
D) alveolar destruction.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The increased anterior-posterior chest diameter, often referred to as "barrel chest," is due to air trapping in the lungs, a common feature in emphysema. This occurs because the destruction of alveolar walls leads to loss of elastic recoil, causing difficulty in expelling air and resulting in hyperinflation of the lungs.

A 60 Year Old with a 25-Year History of Smoking