A 40-year-old patient was in an automobile accident. Among his injuries and related problems are three broken ribs on the right side, pleural fluid in the right pleural space, and atelectasis of both lungs. What should be done to help with the atelectasis problem?
1) Adequate pain management
2) Mechanical ventilation to stabilize the broken ribs
3) Remove the pleural fluid
4) Selective intubation of the right mainstem bronchus
A)1, 3
B)2, 4
C)1, 2, 3
D)1, 2, 3, 4

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Adequate pain management can help the patient breathe more deeply and cough effectively, which can help resolve atelectasis. Removing the pleural fluid can help re-expand the lung and improve ventilation.

A 40-Year-Old Patient Was in an Automobile Accident