Upon inspection, the nurse notes that the patient has a barrel chest. What is the normal anteroposterior (AP)-to-lateral chest ratio?

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The normal anteroposterior (AP)-to-lateral chest ratio is 1:2, meaning the width of the chest from side to side is twice the depth from front to back. A barrel chest, often seen in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), can alter this ratio to closer to 1:1.

Upon Inspection, the Nurse Notes That the Patient Has a Barrel