Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Trauma Practice Test

A patient who experienced blunt chest trauma and has asymmetrical chest wall movement MOST likely indicates:

1. accumulation of blood in both of the lungs

2. decreased air movement into one lung

3. several ribs broken in numerous places

4. shallow breathing secondary to severe pain

The correct answer is: accumulation of blood in both of the lungs

A patient with blunt chest trauma and asymmetrical chest wall movement most likely indicates accumulation of blood in both of the lungs. This condition is known as a tension pneumothorax, where air accumulates in the pleural space, causing pressure to build up in the chest cavity. This pressure can lead to the collapse of the injured lung, preventing it from expanding fully and resulting in asymmetrical chest wall movement. In a situation like this, it is crucial to address the tension pneumothorax promptly to prevent further complications and preserve the patient's respiratory function. The other options are less likely in this scenario: - Decreased air movement into one lung (Option B) may occur with a pneumothorax, but the presence of asymmetrical chest wall movement suggests a more serious condition like tension pneumothorax. - Several ribs broken in numerous places (Option C) may cause pain and difficulty breathing, but it does not directly explain the asymmetrical chest wall movement. - Shallow breathing secondary to severe pain (Option D) is a possibility with chest trauma, but it does not specifically address the asymmetrical chest wall movement seen in tension pneumothorax.