Your patient is a 19-year-old man who received a penetrating knife wound to his chest. On your arrival, he is lying supine with a visible chest wound that is bleeding slightly. You can hear the sucking sound of air moving in and out of the wound. This wound is best managed with:

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

A penetrating wound to the chest that is causing air to leak into the pleural space is indicative of a tension pneumothorax, a life-threatening condition that requires immediate intervention. An occlusive dressing sealed on three sides and open on the fourth will help to prevent further air from entering the pleural space while still allowing for air to escape during exhalation. It is important to avoid using bulky dressings or adherent bandages as these may worsen the tension pneumothorax. A sterile, wet dressing is not indicated as it will not effectively seal the wound and may lead to further air entry.

Your Patient Is a 19-Year-Old Man Who Received a Penetrating