Chapter 29: Chest Injuries

On inhalation, which of the following does NOT occur?

• A) The intercostal muscles contract, elevating the rib cage.
• B) The diaphragm contracts.
• C) The pressure inside the chest increases.
• D) Air enters through the nose and mouth.

Which of the following is NOT a sign or symptom of a chest injury?

• A) Bruising of the chest wall
• B) Crepitus with palpation of the chest
• C) Clear and equal breath sounds
• D) Unequal expansion of the chest wall

You respond to an 18-year-old man who has been assaulted with a baseball bat. He was hit in the chest. He is unresponsive, apneic, and pulseless. This condition is most likely related to:

• A) commotio cordis.
• B) cardiac tamponade.
• C) pneumothorax.
• D) traumatic asphyxia.

A _____ results when an injury allows air to enter through a hole in the chest wall or the surface of the lung as the patient attempts to breathe, causing the lung on that side to collapse.

• A) tension pneumothorax
• B) hemothorax
• C) hemopneumothorax
• D) pneumothorax

A patient with blunt trauma who is holding the lateral side of his chest and has rapid and shallow respirations is most likely suffering from:

• A) rib fractures.
• B) a sternal fracture.
• C) a pneumothorax.
• D) a pulmonary contusion.

Which of the following is NOT a pertinent negative to note during your assessment of a patient with chest trauma?

• A) No heart murmurs
• B) No associated shortness of breath
• C) No rapid breathing
• D) No areas of deformity