]> 2026-07-31T09:40:55+00:00 WBR288 0 en Oral NSAIDs <font color="red">'''Incorrect.'''</font> Oral NSAIDs may slightly control the pain associated with a plain rib fracture, but it is not enough to prevent the hypoventilation which could lead to pneumonia, specially in the elderly. Positive airway pressure <font color="red">'''Incorrect.'''</font> It is used primarily in the treatment of sleep apnea. Observation <font color="red">'''Incorrect.'''</font> Intercostal nerve block <font color="Green">'''Correct.'''</font> Oral narcotic therapy <font color="red">'''Incorrect.'''</font> This can worsen the hypoventilation caused by the pain which can increase the risk of developing pneumonia. Surgery A 72-year-old male falls at home and hits his right chest wall against the bed frame. He is brought to the ER after his wife called 911. His vitals are T 37C, 86 bpm, 21 respirations/min, BP: 126/80 mmHg. His head, eyes, ears, nose and throat are unremarkable. His carotid pulse is 2+ without bruits. His chest is symmetric with decreased expansion on the right side. Upon palpation he has exquisite tenderness over the eight right rib at the anterior axillary line level. His lungs are clear to auscultation and percussion bilaterally. The rest of the physical exam is unremarkable. A chest x-ray reveals a rib fracture and no other abnormal findings. Which of the following is the most appropriate management in this patient? D Musculoskeletal/Rheumatology 2020-10-28T03:01:05Z 2459150.6257523 WBR288