chest

Question 1

consider

Answer 1

a. tension pneumothorax,
b. hemothorax,
c. cardiac tamponade,
d. myocardial contusion,
e. pulmonary contusion,
f. spinal cord injury, and
g. flail chest;

Question 2

if chest has a penetrating injury

Answer 2

a. assess for,
i. entry and exit wounds,
ii. tracheal deviation,
iii. jugular vein distension, and
iv. airway and/or vascular penetration (e.g. frothy/foamy hemoptysis sucking wounds);

Question 3

if chest has an open or sucking wound

Answer 3

a. seal wound with a commercial occlusive dressing with one way valve; if not possible,
utilize an occlusive dressing taped on three sides only,

b. apply dressing large enough to cover entire wound and several centimetres beyond
the edges of the wound,

c. monitor for development of tension pneumothorax, and

d. if tension pneumothorax becomes obvious or suspected (i.e. rapid deterioration in cardiorespiratory status), release occlusive dressing and/or replace;

Question 4

ventilations with suspected pneumothorax

Answer 4

ventilate with a lower tidal volume and rate of delivery to prevent exacerbation of increasing intrathoracic
pressure;

Question 5

prepare for

Answer 5

a. tension pneumothorax,
b. cardiac tamponade,
c. cardiac dysrhythmias, and
d. hemoptysis.