A 45-year-old female was at a family reunion and fell off a trampoline. She hit a picnic table with the left side of her lower rib cage and is now very anxious and confused. Her airway is open and her breathing adequate. Her radial pulse is rapid and weak and her skin is cool and diaphoretic. Vital signs are: pulse 132, respirations 20, blood pressure 102/78 mmHg, and SpO₂ 97%. She has ecchymosis to the left lower rib area as well as tenderness and instability. She also has a superficial abrasion to her forehead. Given these findings, you would suspect and treat her for what condition?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The patient's rapid and weak pulse, cool and diaphoretic skin, and low blood pressure are all signs of hypovolemic shock, which can occur from internal bleeding due to a rib fracture. The ecchymosis and tenderness to the left lower rib area confirm the suspicion of a fracture. The superficial abrasion to the forehead may also indicate a head injury, but the immediate concern is addressing the potential shock.

A 45-Year-Old Female Was at a Family Reunion and Fell