A patient is admitted to the respiratory unit with flail chest.
Which answer best describes this diagnosis?
A condition in which there is a puncture or rupture of the lung.
A condition characterized by the presence of air or gas in the pleural cavity.
A condition characterized by multiple fractures of the ribs resulting in a segment of the chest wall becoming detached.
A condition characterized by the collapse of the lung.
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A rationale
A puncture or rupture of the lung is typically associated with a pneumothorax, not flail chest. Pneumothorax occurs when air leaks into the space between the lung and the chest wall.
Choice B rationale
The presence of air or gas in the pleural cavity is known as pneumothorax. Flail chest, however, is characterized by multiple rib fractures.
Choice C rationale
Flail chest occurs when multiple adjacent ribs are fractured in multiple places, creating a free-floating segment of the chest wall. This condition is serious and often results from blunt chest trauma.
Choice D rationale
The collapse of the lung is known as atelectasis or pneumothorax, not flail chest. Flail chest specifically refers to the detachment of a segment of the rib cage.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Checking the blood pressure is not the priority action in this case. The symptoms described may suggest compartment syndrome, which is a medical emergency and requires immediate intervention.
Choice B rationale
The correct action is to notify the health care provider immediately as this may indicate compartment syndrome, a serious complication that can occur after fractures and can lead to permanent damage if not treated promptly.
Choice C rationale
Assessing the incision for redness is not appropriate in this scenario as the symptoms suggest a more severe underlying issue such as compartment syndrome, which requires urgent attention.
Choice D rationale
Repositioning the leg may provide temporary relief but does not address the potential underlying issue of compartment syndrome. The priority is to notify the health care provider.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale
A decreased white blood cell count indicates the body's response to infection is improving, showing the effectiveness of the antibiotics.
Choice B rationale
Increased chest pain and shortness of breath would suggest worsening of the condition, not improvement.
Choice C rationale
Adventitious breath sounds and increased cough are signs that pneumonia may be persisting or worsening.
Choice D rationale
Improved appetite and weight gain are positive signs but are not direct indicators of the effectiveness of antibiotic treatment.
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