Final answer:
True, circumferential burns to the chest decrease chest wall compliance, leading to difficulty in thoracic expansion and compromised pulmonary ventilation.
Step-by-step explanation:
Circumferential burns to the chest decrease chest wall compliance. This statement is true. Thoracic wall compliance is essential for the process of breathing, particularly during inspiration. Breathing involves the expansion of the thoracic cavity, which directly impacts the ability of the lungs to expand. If the chest wall becomes less compliant due to circumferential burns, the tissues become stiffer, and this can make it more difficult to expand the thorax. Consequently, pulmonary ventilation is impaired because the process depends on the ability to move air in and out based on pressure differences. When air cannot flow sufficiently due to decreased compliance, the patient might experience difficulty in breathing.