When performing a respiratory assessment, what is an expected finding when palpating the chest of a healthy adult?

A. Symmetrical chest expansion: In a healthy adult, the thoracic cage should move outward equally on both sides during deep inspiration. This indicates that the lungs are inflating uniformly and the pleura are intact without obstruction or collapse. Symmetrical movement is a hallmark of normal respiratory mechanics and musculoskeletal function. B. Hyperresonance upon percussion: Hyperresonance is an abnormal finding characterized by a lower-pitched, booming sound produced over hyperinflated lung tissue. It is typical in conditions such as emphysema or pneumothorax where there is an excess of air relative to tissue. Normal lung tissue should produce a resonant sound during percussion. C. Increased tactile fremitus: Tactile fremitus is the palpable vibration transmitted through the bronchopulmonary system to the chest wall. Increased vibrations usually occur when lung tissue becomes consolidated, as seen in pneumonia, which facilitates sound conduction. Healthy, air-filled lungs provide a moderate, equal vibration that is not pathologically increased. D. Dullness to percussion: Dullness is an abnormal percussion note over the lungs that suggests an increase in tissue density or the presence of fluid. It is commonly found in patients with pleural effusion, pulmonary edema, or solid tumors. Healthy lung tissue is filled with air and should remain resonant rather than dull.