What is one indicator of chest expansion during an assessment?

One key indicator of chest expansion during an assessment is the symmetrical movement of the chest. When assessing a person's respiratory function, lifeguards and medical personnel look for equal expansion of the chest on both sides. This balanced movement suggests that the lungs are functioning properly and that air is being distributed evenly. If the chest expands symmetrically, it typically indicates that there are no obstructions or conditions such as pneumothorax or other respiratory issues affecting one side of the chest more than the other.

In contrast, other options such as an increased heart rate could be related to various physiological responses not strictly tied to chest expansion. Decreased breath sounds often indicate potential respiratory issues, which would lead to an abnormal assessment of chest movement rather than a clear indicator of its expansion. Lastly, uneven shoulder height may reflect musculoskeletal issues or postural differences rather than indicative of lung capacity or chest movement specifically. Thus, symmetrical movement of the chest serves as a direct and reliable indicator during assessment.