Difficulty: Medium
Average Score: 65%
Practice
Mr. U (pulmonary resection) has developed a tension pneumothorax. He is currently receiving high-flow oxygen via nonrebreather mask but continues to experience respiratory distress. What is the priority action?
Correct answer
B
Rationale
The correct answer is B: Perform a needle thoracotomy with a 14- to 16-gauge catheter needle.
Rationale:
1. Tension pneumothorax is a life-threatening emergency where air accumulates in the pleural space, causing lung collapse and increased pressure in the chest.
2. The standard treatment for tension pneumothorax is needle thoracostomy, which involves inserting a large-bore needle into the chest to release the trapped air.
3. In this scenario, Mr. U is in respiratory distress despite receiving high-flow oxygen, indicating a significant problem with ventilation that requires immediate intervention.
4. Performing a needle thoracotomy will rapidly decompress the tension pneumothorax, relieving pressure on the heart and lungs, and improving respiratory function.
5. This action takes precedence over other options such as removing the occlusive dressing, initiating CPR, or calling for intubation equipment, as immediate decompression is crucial in managing tension pneumoth
Rationale:
1. Tension pneumothorax is a life-threatening emergency where air accumulates in the pleural space, causing lung collapse and increased pressure in the chest.
2. The standard treatment for tension pneumothorax is needle thoracostomy, which involves inserting a large-bore needle into the chest to release the trapped air.
3. In this scenario, Mr. U is in respiratory distress despite receiving high-flow oxygen, indicating a significant problem with ventilation that requires immediate intervention.
4. Performing a needle thoracotomy will rapidly decompress the tension pneumothorax, relieving pressure on the heart and lungs, and improving respiratory function.
5. This action takes precedence over other options such as removing the occlusive dressing, initiating CPR, or calling for intubation equipment, as immediate decompression is crucial in managing tension pneumoth