Question

Observe for use of accessory muscles - ask the patient to breathe normally and watch for any use. What should the observer look for?

1) Increased use of sternocleidomastoid muscles
2) Increased use of pectoralis major muscles
3) Increased use of trapezius muscles
4) All of the above

Answer 1

When observing for the use of accessory muscles, the observer should look for increased use of sternocleidomastoid, pectoralis major, and trapezius muscles. This may indicate respiratory distress or respiratory muscle weakness.

Step-by-step explanation:

When observing for the use of accessory muscles, the observer should look for increased use of all the mentioned muscles: sternocleidomastoid, pectoralis major, and trapezius muscles. The sternocleidomastoid muscles control head flexion and rotation, while the pectoralis major muscles assist in inhalation and scapula movement. The trapezius muscles can act as an antagonist in neck extension and as a synergist in lateral flexion towards the shoulder. Increased use of these muscles may indicate respiratory distress or respiratory muscle weakness.