What is the mortality rate associated with a pulmonary contusion?

A pulmonary contusion is a common injury resulting from blunt thoracic trauma, where contusion or bruising of the lung tissue occurs, potentially leading to complications such as respiratory failure and pneumonia. The mortality rate associated with pulmonary contusions depends on several factors, including the severity of the injury, the presence of concomitant injuries, and the patient's overall health status.

The range of 12-20% for the mortality rate reflects the increased risk associated with moderate to severe pulmonary contusions, especially in cases where there are other injuries or if the patient has pre-existing respiratory conditions. This is consistent with clinical findings in trauma literature that indicate more severe pulmonary contusions have a higher associated mortality, often influenced by the need for mechanical ventilation and other intensive care interventions.

In contrast, both lower and higher ranges for mortality rates mentioned in the other choices tend to underestimate the potential risks, especially in more complicated scenarios or in older patients. This makes the choice indicating a 12-20% mortality rate the most accurate and representative of clinical realities surrounding pulmonary contusions.