You are called to transport a 45-year-old male involved in a high-speed car accident. Upon arrival, the patient is unconscious with shallow breathing. Which of the following physical assessment findings would best indicate a potentially life-threatening condition?
Presence of asymmetrical chest movements could indicate a pneumothorax or hemothorax, both of which are life-threatening conditions that require immediate attention. Dilated pupils could be due to head trauma or drug influence but are not as immediately life-threatening as compromised breathing. A Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score of 12 suggests moderate head injury, but does not pinpoint specific life-threatening issues. Absent bowel sounds might indicate internal injury but are less immediately critical than compromised lung function.
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BCEN CFRN
Resuscitation Principles
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