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

Patients with COPD tend to use their accessory muscles to breathe when the work of breathing increases and the diaphragm becomes less effective.

A Respiratory Therapist Is Examining a Patient in Respiratory Distress