Underlying Pulmonary Contusion in Surgery — 32yo Man | Trauma Surgery | SMLE Q#11219
SMLE Question #11219
Surgery
Trauma Surgery
Objective: OBJ-TRM-AIRWAY-01
Last updated: February 2026
A 32-year-old man presents to the emergency department after a high-speed motor vehicle collision. He is awake, oriented, and speaking in full sentences. Examination shows paradoxical movement of the left anterior chest wall; breath sounds are equal bilaterally. Chest X-ray shows a flail segment involving left ribs 2–6 with underlying pulmonary contusion and no pneumothorax or hemothorax. What is the most appropriate next step in management?
Continue in practice mode
Sign in and start a focused practice session to view options, submit your answer, and read the full explanation.