Advanced Trauma Life Support (ATLS) 2025 – 400 Free Practice Questions to Pass the Exam

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What type of breathing pattern is indicated by "paradoxical" breathing?

Breathing where the chest rises while the abdomen falls

Deep and fast breathing pattern

Irregular rhythm with pauses

Abdominal movement that contrasts with chest movement

Paradoxical breathing refers to a phenomenon where the movements of the chest and abdomen are not coordinating as they typically should during the breathing cycle. In normal breathing, when a person inhales, the chest rises and the abdomen expands, and upon exhalation, the chest falls and the abdomen retracts. However, in paradoxical breathing, when the chest expands during inhalation, the abdomen may simultaneously move inward, or when the abdomen expands, the chest may move in the opposite direction. This contrasting movement indicates that there may be an underlying issue affecting the normal function of respiratory muscles or the mechanics of breathing, such as a severe injury to the thoracic area, diaphragm paralysis, or other respiratory distress. Recognizing this pattern is crucial as it can help in identifying impaired lung function and guiding further assessment and intervention.

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