A 67-year-old man presents to the emergency department after a mechanical fall from standing. During his trauma evaluation, he is found to have severe right-sided chest wall tenderness. His imaging demonstrates multiple right-sided rib fractures with an otherwise unremarkable workup. The patient is in significant discomfort and is given acetaminophen and morphine. Despite this, he remains in severe pain and has difficulty taking deep breaths. The patient is given an incentive spirometer and his maximum vital capacity is measured at 500 ml. What complications is this patient at risk of developing? What interventions can be performed in the emergency department to help manage his pain?
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