Open pneumothorax Flashcards
1
Q
what is an open pneumothorax?
A
aka sucking wound; when you have an opening through the chest that allows air to get into pleural space
2
Q
TX:
how are we gonna keep more air from coming in at first?
A
have the patient forcefully inhale and exhale forcefully or do the valsalva maneuver.(deep breath and humm… all these things will increase thoracic pressure, so no outside air can come in)
3
Q
as the patient is humming, what do you do to the site?
A
- place a sterile petroleum gauze over the opening
4
Q
how do we dress the site?
A
(4 x 4 gauze and tape down only 3 sides because the side that’s not taped will act like a vent or flutter valve)
5
Q
how do we position this patient?
A
- have the patient sit up if possible to expand the lungs
6
Q
would we want a trauma patient to sit up?
A
no.. we keep em flat. they may have other injuries
