Your patient has circumferential full thickness burns of the thorax. He is intubated, and you have noticed an increase in resistance as you bag him. His skin is very tight and inflexible as you try to ventilate. Which of the following is required to improve this patient's ventilatory status?
A) IV sedation
B) Needle thoracostomy
C) Escharotomy
D) Fasciotomy

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The patient's circumferential full thickness burns of the thorax are causing a restriction in chest wall expansion, leading to increased resistance and difficulties in ventilating the patient. An escharotomy involves removing a section of burned skin to improve chest wall compliance, which will allow for improved ventilatory status. IV sedation may reduce the patient's discomfort but will not address the underlying problem. Needle thoracostomy and fasciotomy are not indicated in this situation.

Your Patient Has Circumferential Full Thickness Burns of the Thorax