A patient who sustained rib fractures in a motor vehicle accident is complaining that his pain medication is ineffective.Inadequate pain control places this patient at risk for which complication?
A) Metabolic alkalosis
B) Pneumothorax
C) Pneumonia
D) Hemothorax

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Inadequate pain control in a patient with rib fractures can lead to decreased movement and shallow breathing due to pain, which increases the risk of pneumonia due to inadequate airway clearance and ventilation.

A Patient Who Sustained Rib Fractures in a Motor Vehicle