Flail Chest

Question 1

In Flail Chest, what causes the thoracic cage to become unstable?

Answer 1

Double fractures of at least three or more adjacent ribs

Question 2

What causes the lungs to compress and restrict the underlying lung area in flail chest?

Answer 2

The affected ribs cave in during inspiration as a result of the sub atmospheric intrapleural pressure

Question 3

True or False. A flail chest is an obstructive lung disorder.

Answer 3

False. A flail chest is a RESTRICTIVE lung disorder.

Question 4

What are the major pathologic and structural changes of the lungs associated with flail chest?

Answer 4

Double fracture of numerous adjacent ribs, Rib instability, Lung volume restriction, atelectasis, lung collapse, lung contusion, secondary pneumonia

Question 5

What are some examples of the kind if trauma that may result in a flail chest?

Answer 5

Motor vehicle accidents, falls, blast injury, direct compression by a heavy object, industrial accidents

Question 6

What is needed in severe cases of flail chest?

Answer 6

Stabilization of the chest to allow bone healing and prevent atelectasis, possibly volume controlled ventilation, accompanied by PEEP

Question 7

What are the Respiratory Care Treatment Protocols for Flail Chest?

Answer 7

Oxygen Therapy, Lung Expansion Therapy, Mechanical Ventilation

Question 8

What will be seen when viewing the chest of someone with a flail chest?

Answer 8

Paradoxical Chest Movement because of the atmospheric pressure surrounding the chest and negative intrapleural pressure

Question 9

How does pulmonary shunting and venous admixture occur in a patient with flail chest?

Answer 9

Pendelluft, lung compression, and atelectasis, which decreases the V/Q Ratio.

Question 10

What are some common radiologic findings on a flail chest radiograph?

Answer 10

Increased opacity, rib fractures, increased density on the affected side (whiter appearance)