RN Exam Practice
Physiological AdaptationQuestion 305 of 2368

A client with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease has an anteroposterior to transverse chest ratio of 1:1. How should the nurse interpret this finding?

  1. Barrel chest caused by hyperinflation of the lungs
  2. An expected adult chest configuration
  3. A sign of fluid in the pleural space
  4. Evidence of an acute airway obstruction
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Correct answer: Barrel chest caused by hyperinflation of the lungs

A 1:1 ratio is called barrel chest and is often seen in COPD from lung hyperinflation. The expected adult ratio is 1:2.

Source: Nursing Skills, 2nd edition (Open RN, Chippewa Valley Technical College, 2023), Respiratory Assessment: Inspection. Licensed under CC BY 4.0.

Practice the topic "Physiological Adaptation"

Questions last reviewed: 18 October 2026