While performing a primary assessment on a trauma patient who has fallen from a roof, you discover absent lung sounds on the right side. Which of the following actions should you take next?
A) Assess for signs of a tension pneumothorax.
B) Intubate the patient.
C) Continue the rapid trauma assessment.
D) Decompress the patient's chest.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Absent lung sounds on one side of the chest can be a sign of a tension pneumothorax, which is a life-threatening condition that requires immediate intervention. The provider should assess for signs of a tension pneumothorax, such as tracheal deviation or jugular vein distension. If these signs are present, the patient should receive immediate needle decompression of the affected side of the chest. If tension pneumothorax is not present, the provider can continue the rapid trauma assessment to identify other injuries.

While Performing a Primary Assessment on a Trauma Patient Who