Which is a common symptom of a closed chest injury?

Unequal rise and fall of the chest is commonly associated with a closed chest injury because it can indicate that there is an underlying issue with the lungs or the ribcage. In a closed chest injury, such as a rib fracture or contusion, one side of the chest may not expand as fully as the other during inhalation due to pain, limitation in movement, or potentially a collapsed lung (pneumothorax). This uneven movement can be a key sign for first responders to assess the severity of the injury and determine appropriate medical care. Recognizing this symptom is crucial as it can help identify the need for advanced interventions before the patient receives additional medical attention.

In contrast, the other options describe symptoms that are either not characteristic of closed chest injuries or indicate different types of injuries or conditions. Swelling in the abdomen generally pertains to abdominal injuries, spurting blood from the chest is characteristic of an open chest wound like a stab or gunshot rather than a closed injury, and fever and chills could suggest an infection rather than a direct consequence of a closed chest injury.