The nurse is caring for a client who experienced a flailed chest injur

The nurse is caring for a client who experienced a flailed chest injury (multiple rib fractures) as a result of a motorcycle accident.

The nurse realizes that pain management for this client will directly impact the effectiveness of his respiratory functioning primarily because:
1. Pain increases metabolic needs, thus increasing oxygen consumption
2. Pain increases emotional distress, which can lead to hyperventilation
3. Pain will decrease the client’s motivation to deep breathe, contributing to shallow, diminished inspirations
4. Pain will decrease the client’s ability to both relax and recuperate, thus extending the period of recovery

ANSWER

ANS: 3
Chest wall trauma and upper abdominal incisions decrease chest wall movement as the client uses shallow respirations to minimize chest wall movement to avoid pain.