skip to main content

Flail chest with respiratory failure — RCPSC EM MCQ

Instant feedback + full explanation. One question, done properly.

HardTraumaFlail chest with respiratory failureRCPSC EM

A 69-year-old man is struck by a truck and has paradoxical movement of the left chest wall. Respiratory rate is 36/min, oxygen saturation is 87% on high-flow oxygen, ABG shows pH 7.25 and PaCO2 62 mmHg, and chest radiograph shows multiple rib fractures with pulmonary contusion. What is the most likely diagnosis?

Educational content. Not a substitute for clinical judgement or local policy.

Reveal the answer and explanation

Correct answer: C — Flail chest with respiratory failure

Paradoxical chest wall motion plus rib fractures, contusion, hypoxaemia, and hypercapnia indicates flail chest with respiratory failure.

Reference: ATLS; Canadian trauma and critical care practice