A young male patient is self-extricated after hitting a telephone pole and rolling his car several times at a high rate of speed. He is spitting blood and has a large area of tenderness and instability to the left side of his chest. On scene you did not observe any paradoxical motion of the chest wall. The patient remains alert and oriented with stable vital signs, but continually complains of painful breathing. During transport, what is it essential that you do?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Reassessing for paradoxical motion of the chest wall is essential during transport as it may develop later and can indicate a tension pneumothorax, which requires immediate treatment.

A Young Male Patient Is Self-Extricated After Hitting a Telephone