Your patient received a blow to the left lateral chest at the level of the sixth and seventh ribs. You should suspect fractures at:
A) the point of impact of the sixth rib only.
B) the point of impact and the posterior axillary line of the sixth rib only.
C) the point of impact on both ribs.
D) the point of impact and the posterior axillary line of both ribs.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Fractures due to a blow to the chest can occur both at the point of impact and along the line of the weakest point of the rib, which is typically along the posterior axillary line. Therefore, if the impact was at the level of the sixth and seventh ribs, fractures should be suspected both at the point of impact and along the posterior axillary line of both ribs.

Your Patient Received a Blow to the Left Lateral Chest