Your patient is a 55-year-old male who was found in the parking lot behind a tavern.He states that he was assaulted and robbed by three individuals.He is complaining of being "hit in the face and kicked and punched in his ribs and stomach." Your examination reveals contusions and swelling around both eyes,bleeding from the nose,a laceration of his upper lip,and multiple contusions of the chest,abdomen,and flanks.Which of the following should cause the greatest concern regarding the prehospital care of this patient?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The possibility of a pneumothorax should cause the greatest concern regarding the prehospital care of this patient. The patient has suffered multiple contusions of the chest, and this could result in a pneumothorax, which is a life-threatening condition that requires immediate intervention. Getting a description of the assailants or any defensive wounds the patient may have sustained can be important for law enforcement purposes, but it is not as crucial as managing potential life-threatening conditions such as a pneumothorax. Reducing the swelling around his eyes by applying a cold pack is not recommended as it could mask symptoms of a head injury and further exacerbate any potential injury.

Your Patient Is a 55-Year-Old Male Who Was Found in the Parking