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You are treating a patient who fell hard on her right side when she fell off a bike. Exposure of the patient's chest reveals a large bruise on the lateral aspect of the right side of the chest. When you palpate the area, the patient yells out in extreme pain and states that she cannot take a deep breath. What condition should you suspect?

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Final answer:

The extreme pain and breathing difficulty suggest a rib fracture or a spontaneous pneumothorax (collapsed lung), and a chest radiograph should be performed to confirm the diagnosis and extent of injuries.

Step-by-step explanation:

Suspected Condition After a Fall

Based on the patient's symptoms, which include extreme pain upon palpation, inability to take a deep breath, and a large bruise on the chest, a condition such as a rib fracture or a spontaneous pneumothorax (collapsed lung) should be suspected. The fall may have caused injury to the ribs that could potentially puncture or damage lung tissue, leading to a pneumothorax. The lack of deep breaths and the symptoms described are indicative of a compromised lung function, often seen in cases of trauma to the chest wall. A chest radiograph should be performed promptly to evaluate the extent of the injuries and to confirm the diagnosis.

The patient's bruising and difficulty in breathing post-incident suggests the need for urgent medical evaluation for not only bone injuries but also for possible lung complications such as pneumothorax or hemothorax where air or blood, respectively, fills the pleural space. The elevated heart rate and pain could signify a compensatory mechanism for reduced lung capacity, necessitating immediate attention from medical personnel to address potential life-threatening conditions.

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