Question

You are called to the scene of an automobile accident to treat a​ 39-year-old male complaining of chest pain and difficulty breathing. On​ arrival, you note that the car was hit on the right side. You apply cervical immobilization and​ high-flow O2​, then begin your initial​ assessment, noting that the​ patient, still sitting in the passenger​ seat, is cyanotic and displays no obvious sign of bleeding. His respirations are 34 and​ labored, and you can palpate a radial pulse of 132. While you are conducting your​ exam, he tells you his right side hurts and he​ can't catch his breath. Your next step would be​ to: __________.

Answer 1

Based on the symptoms, the patient may have suffered a pneumothorax or collapsed lung and further examination is needed to confirm the diagnosis.

Step-by-step explanation:

Based on the symptoms, it is likely that the patient has suffered a pneumothorax or collapsed lung, which can result from an injury to the chest. The difficulty breathing and chest pain indicate a potential lung injury. Cyanosis, the bluish discoloration of the skin and mucous membranes, suggests a lack of oxygen. To further assess the extent of the injury and provide appropriate treatment, the next step would be to perform a focused physical examination of the chest and potentially order imaging tests such as a chest X-ray to confirm the diagnosis.