The nurse is caring for a client who has a steering wheel injury as a result of an automobile accident. Which of the following findings should be of most concern to the nurse during the initial assessment?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Paradoxical chest movement indicates that the client may have flail chest, which can severely compromise gas exchange and can rapidly lead to hypoxemia. Chest wall pain, a slightly elevated pulse rate, and chest bruising all require further assessment or intervention, but the priority concern is poor gas exchange.

The Nurse Is Caring for a Client Who Has a Steering