Question

When a COPD patient leans forward braced in a tripod position, this lends particular advantage to which accessory muscles of inspiration?

Question options:

A)	pectoralis

B)

scalenes

C)	sternocleidomastoids

D)	external intercostals

Answer 1

Pectoralis is the accessory muscle which is getting advantage when a COPD patient leans forward braced in a tripod position.

The tripod position is the position used by COPD patients during episodes of respiratory distress. The tripod position optimizes the mechanics of respiration by taking advantage of the accessory muscles of the neck and upper chest to get more air into the lungs. Wth the position of the arms secure contraction of the pectoralis results in the elevation of the anterior chest wall.