College of Massage Therapists of British Columbia (CMTBC) Practice Exam

Which characteristic is commonly associated with cystic fibrosis?

1. Barrel chest

2. Normal lung capacity

3. Frequent infections

4. Thin stature

The correct answer is: Barrel chest

The characteristic commonly associated with cystic fibrosis is barrel chest. Individuals with cystic fibrosis often experience chronic respiratory issues due to thick and sticky mucus accumulation in the lungs. This persistent lung disease can lead to changes in lung structure over time, resulting in an abnormal chest shape, such as a barrel chest. The shape arises as the lungs become hyperinflated, and the chest wall conforms to accommodate this change. While frequent infections and thin stature can also be associated with cystic fibrosis, the unique shape of the chest is more specifically recognized as a physical manifestation of the disease's impact on lung function and structure. Normal lung capacity is not typically associated with cystic fibrosis, as the disease compromises lung function and capacity over time. Therefore, the barrel chest is a distinct trait that links with the chronic alterations in respiratory health due to cystic fibrosis.