A person suffers punctures in his chest cavity in an accident without any damage to the lungs. Its effect could be

The correct answer is option 4.

Concept: 

• Breathing involves two stages- inspiration and expiration.
• Inspiration is the process during which atmospheric air is drawn in.
• Expiration is the process during which alveolar air is drawn out.
• This movement of air in and out is done with the help of a pressure gradient between the lungs and atmospheric air.

Explanation:

• Inspiration occurs when intrapulmonary pressure (pressure inside the lungs) is less than atmospheric pressure.
• Expiration occurs when intrapulmonary pressure (pressure inside the lungs) is higher than atmospheric pressure

Option 1-  Reduced breathing rate

• This option is wrong because breathing will not reduce but stop due to disturbance in the pressure gradient.

Option 2-  Rapid increase in breathing rate

• This option is wrong because breathing will not increase but stop due to a disturbance in the pressure gradient.

Option 3-  No change in respiration

• This option is wrong because breathing will neither increase nor decrease but stop due to a disturbance in the pressure gradient.

Option 4-  Cessation of breathing

• For breathing (inhalation and exhalation), there must be a pressure gradient (or pressure difference) in the lung with respect to the atmosphere. 
• So, if there is a puncture in the chest cavity of a person, a proper pressure gradient will not be created sufficient enough for breathing.
• So, breathing will stop, and therefore it is the correct option.​

Hence, the correct option is (option 4) the Cessation of breathing.