When a rib is fractured, how can it be treated?

Rib fracture
assessment:

- the affected area will be
tapped gently. If one or more ribs are broken, the person will complain of intense pain,
at the point of fracture.

- The injured person is asked to
cough an if the person feels an acute pain, he/she might experiences a
fracture.

- The next signs and symptoms will be searched:
deformation or coloring of the area, an easy breathing to minimize the pain, a more
alert respiratory rate. The presence of any of these signs may indicate a fractured
rib.

Treatment of the fractured
rib:

- The movements are reduced in the
fractured area using one of these methods:

• the
  fractured rib is immobilized with 4-5 pieces of tape, from sternum to spin;,
  


• apply an elastic bandage around the entire chest;
  


• the arm is immobilized near the fractured
  area.


• The wounded is encouraged to cough frequently, to
  remove secretions that occur in the lung, thus avoiding
  pneumonia.