Management of a flail chest includes which of the following?

• A. Administer pain medication
• B. Prepare for transport
• C. Stabilize flail segment with a bulky dressing
• D. Apply oxygen

Answer: (C)

Stabilizing the flail segment with a bulky dressing is the key action because the main problem in flail chest is the chest wall instability that causes paradoxical movement and poor ventilation. By padding and securing the injured area with a bulky dressing, you limit that abnormal motion, help re-expand the affected lung, and improve breathing effort. Oxygen supports gas exchange, and analgesia improves comfort and allows deeper breaths, but they don’t address the mechanical instability. Preparing for transport is essential in trauma care, yet the most direct intervention for this specific injury is external stabilization of the chest wall.