You Are Treating a Patient Whose Open Chest Wound Has

question 22

Multiple Choice

You are treating a patient whose open chest wound has been sealed by EMTs on the scene before your arrival. During transport the patient becomes more dyspneic, tachycardic, and hypotensive. There are no breath sounds on the affected side, and the patient has JVD. Which of the following is the best action?

• A) Reinforce the dressing with additional tape, using tincture of benzoin, if necessary, to improve the seal.
• B) Perform a needle thoracostomy at the second intercostal space in the midclavicular line.
• C) Perform a needle thoracostomy at the fourth intercostal space in the midaxillary line.
• D) Remove the dressing and see if the patient's clinical status improves, then replace the dressing.

---

Definitions:

Documents

Written, typed, or electronic matter that provides information or evidence or that serves as an official record.

Electronic Device

A device that operates on electrical power and incorporates circuits and components to perform a specific function, such as a smartphone or laptop.

Produce Results

The act of generating or bringing forth outcomes from a process, experiment, or activity.

Specified Rules

Explicitly stated or defined regulations or principles within a particular context or system.