A patient is diagnosed in the Emergency Department with a flail chest. Which assessment findings would the healthcare professional expect to find in this patient? (Select all that apply.)
A)Fracture of several consecutive ribs
B)Multiple fractures to individual ribs
C)Fracture of the sternum
D)A systemic inflammatory process
E)Paradoxical chest wall movement

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

A flail chest results from the fracture of several consecutive ribs in more than one place or the fracture of the sternum and several consecutive ribs. The loss of bony integrity of the chest wall leads to paradoxical chest wall movement during respiration.

A Patient Is Diagnosed in the Emergency Department with a Flail