A 29-year-old male was robbed and struck in the chest by an assailant with a steel pipe. Your assessment reveals severe pain and crepitus to the right upper chest, at and below the clavicle. What is MOST significant about the location of this patient's injury?

A. The patient will instinctively hyperventilate in an attempt to increase chest excursion and minute volume.
B. This type of injury is associated with a high incidence of widespread alveolar destruction due to intrapulmonary bleeding.
C. Because they are protected by the bony girdle of the clavicle and scapula, upper rib fractures may indicate severe internal injuries.

Answer: C. Because they are protected by the bony girdle of the clavicle and scapula, upper rib fractures may indicate severe internal injuries.