A nurse in the emergency department is caring for a patient who was injured in a motor-vehicle crash. The patient reports dyspnea and severe pain.
The nurse notes that the patient’s chest moves inward during inspiration and bulges out during expiration. The nurse should identify this finding as which of the following?
Flail chest
Hemothorax
Atelectasis
Pneumothorax
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A rationale
The symptoms described, including the paradoxical movement of the chest wall (moving inward during inspiration and outward during expiration), are indicative of a flail chest, which is a life-threatening condition that occurs when a segment of the rib cage breaks due to trauma and becomes detached from the rest of the chest wall.
Choice B rationale
Hemothorax is a collection of blood in the space between the chest wall and the lung (the pleural cavity). It’s often caused by chest trauma. It does not cause the chest to move inward during inspiration and outward during expiration.
Choice C rationale
Atelectasis is a complete or partial collapse of the entire lung or area (lobe) of the lung. It does not cause the chest to move inward during inspiration and outward during expiration.
Choice D rationale
Pneumothorax is a collapsed lung. It does not cause the chest to move inward during inspiration and outward during expiration.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Padding the mattress in a baby’s crib can pose a suffocation risk and is not recommended for crib safety22.
Choice B rationale
Placing a baby on their stomach for sleep, known as prone sleeping, increases the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Babies should always be placed on their back to sleep22.
Choice C rationale
Removing extra blankets from a baby’s crib is a key part of crib safety. Loose bedding can pose a suffocation risk22.
Choice D rationale
Placing a baby’s crib next to a heater could lead to overheating, which is a risk factor for SIDS. It’s important to keep the baby’s sleep environment at a comfortable temperature22.
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