A victim of a motor vehicle accident comes to a medical facility with a rib fracture that has punctured the pleural membrane. The open wound allows the pleural cavity to pull air into the opening of the wound, thus building a pleural space. What treatment can a nurse expect from the primary health-care provider?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The client has developed a pneumothorax, which requires the removal of air from the pleural space using a chest tube with suction to promote lung re-expansion. A large bore needle (choice A) may be used in the emergency setting before a chest tube is available. Pleurodesis (choice B) is not typically performed in acute situations and is used as a treatment for recurrent or persistent pneumothorax. Surgical intervention (choice D) may be necessary in cases of persistent or recurrent pneumothorax despite chest tube drainage.

A Victim of a Motor Vehicle Accident Comes to a Medical