A patient has been admitted with a flail chest and pulmonary contusion.Which finding will cause a nurse to suspect that the patient's condition is deteriorating?

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Quizplus · Accepted Answer

A contusion manifests initially as a hemorrhage followed by alveolar and interstitial edema.Patients with severe contusions may continue to show decompensation,such as respiratory acidosis and increased work of breathing,despite aggressive nursing management.Increased bruising and the need for pain medication are not signs of deterioration.

A Patient Has Been Admitted with a Flail Chest and Pulmonary