Why is this?? fractured 1st rib...

[Monica RN,BSN]

Question) What is the mortality in patients who fracture the 1st rib?

Answer) 40%

this is a review question on CEN exam.. why does a fracture of the first rib have such a high mortality rate??

Does anyone know???

[emtb2rn, BSN, RN, EMT-B]

My initial thought was the mortality rate was d/t the force required and location. So, I did a bit of research and came up with this:

"First rib fractures were once thought to be a harbinger of severe trauma, since the first rib is very well protected by the shoulder, lower neck musculature, and clavicle and was thought to require a much higher impact force to fracture than other ribs. These data are now in question, but until further studies are done, fractures of the first rib should raise suspicion of significant chest trauma. Mortality rates as high as 36% have been previously reported with first rib fractures, which are associated with injury to the lung, ascending aorta, subclavian artery, and brachial plexus."

The complete article is at http://www.emedicine.com/emerg/byname/fractures-rib.htm

[rjflyn, ASN, RN]

For what its worth just took the CEN last week and I would concentrate more on the basic rather that the bizarre. IE its not going ask mortality rates, more likely know that a first rib fracture means significant trauma.

Also I can recommend a good study guide but you need to PM me for that.

Rj

[Monica RN,BSN]

Rj.. I sent you a PM.. Thanks for the replies. I appreciate your insight

[DDRN4me]

:uhoh3::uhoh21:glad i didnt see this last week; dsil has a fx 1st rib post mva!!!

also has mult other fx including sternum and ribs .... but is on the road to recovery thank god!