Which exam finding is typical for COPD due to hyperinflation?

• A. Barrel-shaped chest with hyperresonant percussion
• B. Decreased breath sounds with prolonged expiration and a barrel-shaped chest
• C. Dull percussion note with decreased breath sounds
• D. Normal percussion and breath sounds

Answer: (B)

Hyperinflation from COPD traps air, expanding the chest into a barrel shape and increasing lung volumes. The trapped air makes percussion more resonant, and airflow obstruction leads to a longer, more effortful expiration. Because air is retained, breath sounds are often diminished. So, a combination of decreased breath sounds with prolonged expiration and a barrel-shaped chest fits COPD-related hyperinflation best. Other options either miss the prolonged expiration, the decreased breath sounds, or describe findings (like dull percussion or normal auscultation) that aren’t typical of COPD hyperinflation.