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Chest

Last reviewed dd mmm yyyy. Last edited dd mmm yyyy

Authoring team

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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