A respiratory therapist is examining a patient in respiratory distress. She observes that the patient has a barrel chest, is using his accessory muscles of inspiration even when sitting at rest, and has a prolonged expiratory phase with pursed-lip breathing. This finding is most consistent with:

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The symptoms described, such as barrel chest, use of accessory muscles, prolonged expiratory phase, and pursed-lip breathing, are characteristic of severe Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD).

A Respiratory Therapist Is Examining a Patient in Respiratory Distress