Rib fractures

leaning toward the injured side with a hand over the fracture area in an effort to ease pain and stabilize the chest

a crackling sensation over the fracture site (subcutaneous emphysema) may be detected if the rib fracture has punctured a lung and air is escaping into the tissues of the chest wall

unwillingness or inability to take a deep breath

complaining of local pain and tenderness (patients may be able to direct you right to the location of the fracture)

pain when moving the rib cage when breathing or coughing