While playing in an intramural football game,Joe is tackled so hard that he breaks a rib.He can actually feel a piece of the rib sticking through the skin and he is having a difficult time breathing.Joe probably is suffering from
A)a collapsed trachea.
B)an obstruction in the bronchi.
C)a pneumothorax.
D)decreased surfactant production.
E)a bruised diaphragm.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The symptoms described suggest that Joe is suffering from a pneumothorax, which is a collapsed lung. The piece of rib sticking through the skin may have punctured the lung, causing air to enter the chest cavity and put pressure on the lung, making it unable to expand fully. This can make it difficult to breathe. None of the other options mentioned would explain Joe's symptoms.

While Playing in an Intramural Football Game,Joe Is Tackled So