A pulmonary contusion is bruising

of your lung tissue that may cause pain and trouble breathing. A pulmonary contusion is a common lung injury after a blunt (not sharp) trauma to your chest.

 The force of the trauma damages

your lung cells, blood vessels, and other tissues. You may have fluid, such as blood, and swelling inside one or both of your lungs after the trauma. The blood and swelling in your lung forms the bruise that causes your pulmonary contusion.

Signs and Symptoms:

 difficulty breathing  cough  chest pain  bruising and swelling of the

chest wall.

Nursing Responsibilities:  Encourage deep breathing exercises. Intravenous fluids Oxygen therapy Pain medications.