Chest
The examination of the chest in the secondary survey should encompass:
- examination of the front and back of the chest
- look:
- bruising eg over the area restrained by seatbelt in car crash injuries
- symmetrical expansion
- feel:
- crepitus; may indicate subcutaneous emphysema
- localised deformity or pain of ribs, clavicles or sternum that may indicate a fracture
- auscultate:
- breath sounds; absence may indicate pneumothorax or lung collapse
- heart sounds
- chest radiograph; standard PA film
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