Which assessment findings would the nurse evaluate as supporting the diagnosis of flail chest?Select all that apply.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Flail chest is characterized by paradoxical chest movement, where an area of the chest wall moves inward during inspiration (A). It often results in pain and difficulty breathing, leading to a weak, painful cough (B) and shallow respirations (D). A sucking chest wound (E) is more indicative of an open pneumothorax, not flail chest. A broken rib (C) alone does not confirm flail chest, which involves multiple rib fractures.

Which Assessment Findings Would the Nurse Evaluate as Supporting the Diagnosis