A patient injured in an explosion has a flail chest and crushing injuries to her left arm and leg.She is unconscious and is losing blood rapidly.Laboratory testing reveals impaired oxygenation.Nursing interventions should be implemented to improve which components of oxygenation disrupted by this injury? Note: Credit will be given only if all correct choices and no incorrect choices are selected.
Select all that apply.
A)Ventilation
B)Thickness of the alveolar-capillary membrane
C)Oxygen affinity
D)Hemoglobin concentration
E)Blood flow to the lungs

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

A flail chest injury disrupts ventilation by impairing the mechanical aspect of breathing, leading to inadequate air exchange. The crushing injuries and rapid blood loss reduce hemoglobin concentration, which is crucial for oxygen transport in the blood. Reduced hemoglobin levels directly impact the body's ability to carry oxygen. Additionally, blood loss can lead to shock, which compromises blood flow to the lungs and other organs, further impairing oxygenation.

A Patient Injured in an Explosion Has a Flail Chest