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FNP Family Nurse Practitioner Exam Prep

Category - Women's Health Nurse Practitioner

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Your 71-year-old female patient comes in for a regular appointment. She complains of worsening dyspnea and chest pain that increases with inspiration and palpation. She states that her symptoms are much better when she holds pressure on her left side. When probed, she sheepishly admits she slipped and fell on her side 3 days ago, but that it was not that hard.

What is the most likely cause of her symptoms?

  1. Hypovolemia from hip fracture
  2. Tension pneumothorax
  3. Rib fracture
  4. Traumatic asphyxiation
Explanation

Answer: C- This patient likely has a fractured rib and x-rays would make sense.

Elderly patients are more vulnerable to rib fractures due to their bones becoming more brittle with age. The presentation of mild dyspnea with improvement in symptoms when being held is very typical of rib fractures. 

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