Saunders Respiratory Practice

In caring for a client with fractured ribs, which statement from the client indicates a need for further teaching?

1. "My pain will decrease over the next few days"

2. "I need to take deep breaths regularly"

3. "My ribs will be healed in a month"

4. "I should avoid activities that worsen pain"

The correct answer is: "My ribs will be healed in a month"

The statement regarding the healing timeline of fractured ribs suggests a misunderstanding about the recovery process. While it's true that many rib fractures can heal relatively quickly, the claim that all ribs will be healed in a month can be misleading. Healing depends on various factors, including the severity of the fracture, the individual's overall health, age, and adherence to proper care strategies. Generally, it may take several weeks to a couple of months for rib fractures to heal adequately, with full recovery possibly taking longer. This highlights the importance of communicating realistic expectations and educating the patient about the variability in healing times based on personal circumstances. The other statements reflect an understanding of appropriate care and the healing process. Recognizing that pain typically diminishes over time, the necessity of taking deep breaths to prevent complications like pneumonia, and the importance of avoiding activities that exacerbate pain, all align with standard practices for recovering from rib fractures.