During the assessment of a person's respiratory status, the nurse notes paradoxical lung movements. What is this finding consistent with?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Paradoxical lung movements occur in flail chest, which is a condition where multiple rib fractures cause the affected portion of the chest wall to move inwards during inspiration and outwards during expiration. This is in contrast to the normal chest wall movement, where the chest moves outwards during inspiration and inwards during expiration. Pneumothorax, lung abscess, and atelectasis are not typically associated with paradoxical lung movements.

During the Assessment of a Person's Respiratory Status, the Nurse