Final answer:
In this case, the physician may have committed negligence by failing to order a radiologic image which could have detected Alex's punctured lung, possibly constituting medical malpractice.
Step-by-step explanation:
In the scenario where Alex suffered a punctured lung that was not detected during a physical exam but could have been diagnosed with a radiologic image, the physician may have committed negligence.
Medical negligence occurs when a healthcare provider fails to meet the standard of care that a reasonable provider would have met under similar circumstances.
In this case, if it is expected that a physician should order a radiological image, such as a chest radiograph, when symptoms point to a potential punctured lung or other internal injuries, the failure to do so could be considered negligent.
However, for it to be considered malpractice, the negligence must result in harm to the patient, such as misdiagnosis leading to the condition being untreated and worsening.