Exam 2 Review – Advanced Assessment

10. What causes a barrel chest? Page 268 o The AP diameter increases with age and can be equal to or greater than the lateral diameter. It may be a 1.0 or even greater ratio. This is a chronic condition, Barrel chest results from compromised respiration as in for example chronic asthma, emphysema, or cystic fibrosis. The ribs are more horizontal, the spine is somewhat kyphotic, and the sternal angle is more prominent. The trachea may be posterior displaced o Other changes in chest wall contour may be the result of structural problems in the spine, rib cage or sternum. The spine may be deviated either posteriorly (kyphosis) or laterally (scoliosis). The characteristic barrel chest of an older adult is caused by a combination of factors, including a. skeletal changes of aging. b. increased muscular expansion of the chest wall. c. less fibrous alveoli. d. increased vital capacity. e. increased lung resiliency. ANS: A Skeletal changes associated with aging include an emphasis of the dorsal curve of the thoracic spine that contributes to a barrel chest.