What is paradoxical movement in respiratory assessment?

Paradoxical movement in respiratory assessment refers to a specific situation where a section of the chest wall moves in the opposite direction to the rest of the chest during breathing. This can occur due to injuries such as rib fractures, where a portion of the chest wall becomes detached from the rest of the thoracic structure and moves adversely during inhalation and exhalation. For instance, during inhalation, the affected area may sink in while the remaining chest wall expands, and vice versa during exhalation. This movement pattern is not only abnormal but can also indicate severe underlying issues such as flail chest or significant trauma to the thoracic cavity, making it critical to recognize in a medical assessment.