A 3-year-old female has been accidentally struck in the chest with a baseball bat during a domestic altercation. Assessment indicates redness to the right lateral chest with no deformity, crepitus, or broken skin. Vital signs are pulse 124, respirations 22, blood pressure 108/62, and SpO₂ 99% on room air. Given these assessment findings, you would:

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

There are no indications of shock or flail chest based on the assessment findings, but the mechanism of injury (being struck in the chest with a baseball bat) is concerning for the possibility of internal chest injury. Therefore, it is appropriate to treat the child for suspected internal chest injury and transport to the hospital for further evaluation and treatment.

A 3-Year-Old Female Has Been Accidentally Struck in the Chest