Question

A patient has fallen off a step ladder. During the fall, his chest hit the side of the ladder. You would suspect that the patient may be experiencing internal bleeding based on which of the following signs?

a) the patient is coughing up blood
b) the patient's breathing is slow, 10 breaths per minute
c) the patient's pulse is bounding & fast, 100 beats per minute
d) the patient's skin is warm & flushed

Answer 1

The signs that suggest a patient may be experiencing internal bleeding after falling off a step ladder and hitting their chest on the side of the ladder include coughing up blood, a bounding and fast pulse, and warm and flushed skin.

Step-by-step explanation:

The signs that suggest a patient may be experiencing internal bleeding after falling off a step ladder and hitting their chest on the side of the ladder include:

1. The patient is coughing up blood: Coughing up blood, also known as hemoptysis, can be a sign of internal bleeding in the chest area. It is important to seek immediate medical attention if this occurs.
   
2. The patient's pulse is bounding & fast, 100 beats per minute: A bounding and fast pulse, also known as tachycardia, can be an indication of internal bleeding or shock.
   
3. The patient's skin is warm & flushed: Warm and flushed skin can be a sign of increased blood flow caused by internal bleeding.