The nurse observes that a client's anteroposterior (AP)chest diameter is the same as his lateral chest diameter.What is the nurse's most important question for the client in response to this finding?

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Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The normal chest has a lateral diameter that is twice as large as the AP diameter.When the AP diameter approaches or exceeds the lateral diameter,the client is said to have a barrel chest.Most commonly,barrel chest occurs as a result of a long-term chronic airflow limitation problem,such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or severe chronic asthma.It can also be seen in people who have lived at a high altitude for many years.Therefore,an AP chest diameter that is the same as the lateral chest diameter should be rechecked but is not as indicative of underlying disease processes as an AP diameter that exceeds the lateral diameter.

The Nurse Observes That a Client's Anteroposterior (AP)chest Diameter Is