Question

A person suffers from punctures in his chest in an accident, without any damage to the lungs. Its effect could be

• A. reduced breathing rate
• B. rapid increase in breathing rate
• C. no change in respiration
• D. cessation of breathing

Answer 1

The correct option is D

cessation of breathing

The movement of air into and out of the lungs is due to the development of a pressure gradient between the lungs and the atmosphere. Punctures in a person's chest could damage the ribs and/or intercostal muscles, and may lead to the loss of the pressure gradient, thereby resulting in cessation of breathing.