What chest radiograph findings would be expected on a patient with a flail chest?
1) Decreased opacity
2) Rib fractures
3) Increased opacity
4) Tracheal narrowing or deviation

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Flail chest is characterized by rib fractures, which would appear as increased opacity on a chest radiograph. There may be associated lung contusions or lacerations, which could also contribute to increased opacity. Tracheal narrowing or deviation is not a characteristic finding of flail chest. Decreased opacity would suggest a pneumothorax, which can occur as a complication of flail chest, but is not a typical finding on its own.

What Chest Radiograph Findings Would Be Expected on a Patient