The emergency department nurse will suspect a tension pneumothorax in a patient who has been in an automobile accident if

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Breath sounds are decreased on the affected side with tension pneumothorax because air trapped in the pleural space compresses the lung on that side. Wheezes that are heard in both lungs indicate airway narrowing, but not pneumothorax. A sucking sound with inspiration is heard with an open pneumothorax. Paradoxic chest movement is associated with flail chest.

The Emergency Department Nurse Will Suspect a Tension Pneumothorax in a Patient