Rib fractures

Question 1

how are 2 ways rib fractures are caused?

Answer 1

1) trauma

2) coughing

Question 2

how are pathological rib fractures caused?

Answer 2

• due to metastatic spread from breast, bronchus, prostate e.t.c.

Question 3

what are the symptoms of a. rib fracture?

Answer 3

• touch the spot it will hurt
• chest will hurt when you take a deep breath
• twisting your body is painful
• coughing, laughing or anything like that will be painful

Question 4

How can pneumonia arise as a result of a rib fracture?

Answer 4

• pain prevents adequate chest expansion & coughing which could lead to pneumonia

Question 5

how do you treat a minor rib fracture

Answer 5

• often just taking a break from all physical activity
• icing the affected area
• regular pain medication

Question 6

how do you treat a major rib fracture?

Answer 6

• adequate oral analgesia
  or
• if theres a flail segment (segment of rib cage that breaks becoming detached from rest of chest wall) that moves inward it produces inefficient ventilation & may require intermittent positive pressure ventilation