A patient involved in an altercation was struck in the ribs with a baseball bat. Your assessment reveals intact skin with significant bruising to the right lateral chest. When palpating this area you note instability and crepitus to the rib cage. An OEC Technician would recognize a:

a. thoracic injury secondary to penetrating trauma.
b. chest injury caused by blunt trauma.
c. pulmonary injury caused by penetrating trauma.
d. chest wall injury caused by acceleration forces.

Answer: b