5 Questions
What term is used to describe a loose segment of the chest wall that impedes chest wall movement?
Flail chest
Which assessment finding is characteristic of flail chest?
Diminished breath sounds
What intervention should nurses prepare for in a patient with flail chest?
Prepare for intubation and mechanical ventilation
Which term describes the inward movement of the free segment of thorax during inspiration, with outward movement during expiration?
Paradoxical respirations
What condition may result from flail chest?
Hemothorax
Study Notes
Flail Chest
- A type of blunt chest trauma associated with certain accidents, characterized by a loose segment of the chest wall that hinders expansion and contraction of the rest of the chest wall.
- Can result in hemothorax, a condition where blood accumulates in the space between the chest wall and lungs.
Assessment Findings
- Paradoxical respirations: inward movement of the free segment of thorax during inspiration, and outward movement during expiration.
- Severe chest pain.
- Diminished breath sounds.
Nursing Considerations
- Prepare for intubation and mechanical ventilation.
Test your knowledge on flail chest, a form of blunt chest trauma, and the nursing considerations involved in its management. Learn about assessment findings, such as paradoxical respirations and severe chest pain.
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