How does a flail chest affect tidal volume?

Flail chest occurs when there are multiple rib fractures that result in a segment of the thoracic wall moving independently from the rest of the chest. This can severely impact the mechanics of breathing. When a flail segment moves inward during inspiration and outward during expiration, it disrupts the normal tidal volume, which is the amount of air exchanged during normal breathing.

In this condition, due to the instability of the thoracic wall and the pain associated with breathing, the overall ability to take deep breaths is compromised. The segmental movement can lead to inadequate ventilation of the affected lung regions, ultimately reducing the effective tidal volume. As a result, individuals with flail chest may struggle to achieve sufficient volume of air with each breath, leading to decreased oxygenation and potentially hypoventilation.

Thus, the correct answer indicating that tidal volume decreases plays a crucial role in understanding the respiratory implications of flail chest, emphasizing the need for careful management and support of respiratory function in affected patients.