A rib fracture is a crack or break in one of the bones of the rib cage. The most common cause is a direct blow to the chest, often from a car accident or a fall. Coughing hard can also cause a rib to fracture, this is more likely to happen if bones are weak, such as with osteoporosis or cancer.
Fractured, broken or bruised ribs will feel painful with every intake of breath or cough, this can result in shallow breathing to avoid pain, which can result in a chest Infection or pneumonia. Swelling and tenderness around the injured area can be experienced, as well as bruising to the skin. A doctor may diagnose the fracture through physical examination or X-ray, however a fractured rib sometimes does not show up.
Most rib injuries heal well within 6 weeks, with no problems. Complications such as a pneumothorax, air in the lung cavity, haemothorax, blood in the lung cavity, atelectasis, collapse of the lung, pneumonia, chest infection or lung contusions can occur.
The Care Plan sets out a clear explanation of the resident’s issue, and will guide the nurse or carer through the process of preparing a comprehensive, individual person centred Care Plan.
Identifies the signs and symptoms experienced
Details the comprehensive plan of care
Identifies the possible complications
£1.99
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