A person involved in a motor vehicle accident presents to the hospital with chest trauma and multiple broken ribs. What complications are commonly associated with fractured ribs?
Pneumothorax
Pulmonary contusion
All of the above
Hemothorax
The Correct Answer is C
Rationale:
A. Correct, but incomplete alone. Rib fractures can puncture the lung, allowing air to enter the pleural space, leading to a pneumothorax. This can impair ventilation and oxygenation and may require interventions such as a chest tube.
B. Correct, but incomplete alone. Blunt trauma to the chest can bruise the lung tissue, causing pulmonary contusion. This results in edema and hemorrhage within the alveoli, which can impair gas exchange and lead to hypoxia.
C. Rib fractures are associated with multiple potential complications, including pneumothorax, hemothorax, pulmonary contusion, and occasionally flail chest. The risk depends on the severity and location of the fractures. Therefore, all listed complications are commonly associated with fractured ribs.
D. Correct, but incomplete alone. Rib fractures can lacerate intercostal vessels or the lung, causing blood to accumulate in the pleural space, which can compromise breathing and circulation.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is {"dropdown-group-1":"D","dropdown-group-2":"A"}
Explanation
Rationale:
A. While EMTALA (Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act) does address patient assessment and transfer, the key legal requirement is that patients must be stabilized and treated for emergency medical conditions, not just assessed and transferred.
B. FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency) deals with disaster management and does not govern emergency department care or patient rights. “Stabilized and discharged” is also incomplete, as EMTALA ensures treatment, not just discharge.
C. The Blue Campaign is focused on human trafficking awareness and prevention, not emergency medical treatment. Screening and discharge do not fulfill the legal obligation of emergency care.
D. The Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act (EMTALA) is a federal law requiring that anyone presenting to an emergency department must be screened for an emergency medical condition, stabilized, and treated, regardless of insurance status, ability to pay, or citizenship. This ensures access to emergency care for all individuals and prevents “patient dumping.”
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Rationale:
A. While these injuries are serious, they are not immediately life-threatening. The patient can generally wait for treatment without immediate risk of death, so they would likely be triaged yellow (delayed).
B. A closed clavicle fracture with mild neurologic symptoms is significant but not immediately life-threatening, so the patient would also be triaged yellow or green depending on mobility and stability.
C. A forehead contusion and epistaxis are usually minor injuries unless accompanied by altered consciousness or other complications. These patients are generally triaged green (minor).
D. Rib fractures combined with respiratory compromise such as shortness of breath indicate a potential life-threatening injury, such as flail chest or pulmonary contusion. These patients require immediate intervention to stabilize airway and breathing, making a red tag (immediate priority) appropriate.
Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.
Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today
Report Wrong Answer on the Current Question
Do you disagree with the answer? If yes, what is your expected answer? Explain.
Kindly be descriptive with the issue you are facing.