Prehospital Trauma Life Support (PHTLS) Practice Test

Managing pain in a patient with rib fractures is essential for ensuring optimal clinical outcomes. Analgesia is critical because uncontrolled pain can lead to inadequate ventilation and an increased risk of respiratory complications, such as pneumonia. Encouraging deep breathing is equally important, as it helps to promote adequate lung expansion and prevent atelectasis. This combination of effective pain management and respiratory encouragement can significantly enhance a patient's overall recovery and reduce complications associated with rib fractures.

Other approaches, such as securing the ribs with tape, may restrict chest wall movement and are generally not recommended as they can further impair respiratory function. Advising the patient to restrict movement may alleviate some discomfort but can increase the risk of developing respiratory issues. Withholding fluids to reduce the risk of aspiration does not align with proper management practices, as adequate hydration and necessary fluids are important for overall patient care and should not be compromised. Thus, the approach of providing analgesia and encouraging deep breathing is the most effective and evidence-based strategy for managing pain in rib fractures in a prehospital trauma setting.