Open Pneumothorax

Question 1

identifies open pneumothorax

Answer 1

SOB
decreased air entry on injured side
pain
frothing
gurgiling
tracheal deviation in later stages
deviates away from affected lung

Question 2

what is an open pneumo

Answer 2

chest injury that exposes the pleural space to atmospheric pressure

Question 3

what is the 1st step after the injury has been identified

Answer 3

slap a gloved hand on it

Question 4

uses 1 finger to find one way valve and 1 to find wound

Answer 4

one finger on the hole
one finger on the centre of the asherman

2cm is the max width of a wound to use asherman

use 3 sided occlusive dressing otherwise

make sure the un taped side of the 3sided occlusive is closest to the ground to allow drainage

Question 5

listens for air flow

Answer 5

listen for air flow after asherman has been applied

Question 6

if unable to obtain air flow or match up wound with valve

Answer 6

try a new asherman or
3 sided occlusive dressing

Question 7

what should you do if a tension pneumo is suspected

Answer 7

release or replace occlusive dressing

Question 8

why is a 4- sided occlusive dressing
inappropriate

Answer 8

intrathoracic air cant escape which could cause a tension pneumo

Question 9

how would you treat 2 open chest wounds on the same lung

Answer 9

1 3sided occlusive dressing/asherman and one 4 sided occlusive dressing

with the 3sided/asherman on the higher wound

Question 10

how would you treat an open chest wound on each lung

Answer 10

only one 3 sided/asherman on each lung

Question 11

remember when transporting

Answer 11

always transport with the good lung side up