Flail Chest Review Questions

Question 1

1. In flail chest, which of the following occur?
2. Tidal volume (VT) increases
3. Atelectasis often occurs
4. Intrapulmonary shunting occurs
5. Pneumothorax is rare
   a. 1, 2, and 4 only
   b. 1 and 3 only
   c. 2 and 3 only
   d. 2 and 4 only

Question 2

2. When a patient has a severe flail chest, which of the
   following occurs?
   a. Venous return increases
   b. Cardiac output increases
   c. Systemic blood pressure increases
   d. Central venous pressure increases

Question 3

3. A flail chest consists of a double fracture of at least:
   a. Two adjacent ribs
   b. Three adjacent ribs
   c. Four adjacent ribs
   d. Five adjacent ribs

Question 4

4. Which of the following respiratory care technique(s) is/are
   commonly used in the treatment of severe flail chest?
5. Cough and deep breathe
6. Intubation with continuous mandatory ventilation
7. Negative pressure ventilation (cuirass)
8. Positive end-expiratory pressure/continuous positive
   airway pressure (PEEP/CPAP)
   a. 1 only
   b. 3 only
   c. 2 and 4 only
   d. 2, 3, and 4 only

Question 5

5. When mechanical ventilation is used to stabilize a flail
   chest, how much time generally is needed for adequate
   bone healing to occur?
   a. 5 to 10 days
   b. 10 to 15 days
   c. 15 to 20 days
   d. 20 to 25 days