How should an LPN respond to a patient with a flail chest?

In cases of flail chest, which is characterized by the presence of multiple rib fractures leading to instability of a segment of the thoracic wall, the first priority is to ensure adequate respiratory function. Monitoring respiratory status is crucial because patients with flail chest often experience compromised ventilation due to pain and the mechanical instability of their ribcage. Providing supplemental oxygen may be necessary to maintain adequate oxygen saturation, especially if the patient exhibits signs of respiratory distress or hypoxemia.

The approach involves careful assessment of the patient's breathing patterns, oxygen saturation levels, and overall respiratory system function. By focusing on these aspects, an LPN can help ensure that the patient receives the appropriate support to facilitate breathing and oxygenation, which are vital for recovery.

Encouraging the patient to cough frequently may not be advisable, as coughing can cause further pain in flail chest clients and may actually obstruct their ability to breathe effectively. Administering IV fluids is not typically a direct response to the problems caused by flail chest; while fluids may be important for overall management in certain patients, they do not address the immediate respiratory concerns. Positioning the patient supine is also not recommended since it can hinder respiratory mechanics; instead, the patient is often better off positioned to promote optimal