A patient who sustained rib fractures in a motor vehicle accident is stating that the pain medication is ineffective. Inadequate pain control places this patient at risk for which complication?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Inadequate pain control in a patient with rib fractures can lead to shallow breathing due to pain during deep breaths. This can result in inadequate clearance of secretions and decreased lung expansion, increasing the risk for pneumonia.

A Patient Who Sustained Rib Fractures in a Motor Vehicle