Open Pneumothorax Flashcards
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Questions and Answers

What is an open pneumothorax?

An open/sucking chest wound allows free passage of air into and out of the pleural space.

What are the signs and symptoms of an open pneumothorax? (OPEN is the acronym)

  • Onset and sudden chest pain (correct)
  • Early sucking sounds heard on inspiration (correct)
  • Penetrating wound to the chest (correct)
  • No breath sounds or absent sounds on affected side (correct)
  • What is one of the first interventions when caring for a patient with an open pneumothorax?

    Close the defect with a sterile occlusive dressing that overlaps the wound's edges.

    How many sides should you tape the dressing when covering the defect on a patient with an open pneumothorax?

    <p>Three sides.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What should you do if a tension pneumothorax develops?

    <p>Immediately remove the dressing.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the definitive treatment for a patient with an open pneumothorax?

    <p>Placing a chest tube.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    When assessing a patient who has just arrived after an automobile accident, the emergency department nurse notes tachycardia and absent breath sounds over the right lung. For which intervention will the nurse prepare the patient?

    <p>Insertion of a chest tube with a chest drainage system</p> Signup and view all the answers

    A patient is admitted to the emergency department with an open stab wound to the left chest. What is the first action that the nurse should take?

    <p>Tape a nonporous dressing on three sides over the chest wound.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Study Notes

    Open Pneumothorax Overview

    • An open pneumothorax is characterized by a sucking chest wound, which permits air to flow into and out of the pleural space with each breath.

    Signs and Symptoms (OPEN)

    • Onset of sudden chest pain
    • Penetrating wound to the chest is present
    • Early inspiration produces sucking sounds
    • Absence of breath sounds on the affected side

    Initial Intervention

    • Close the chest defect using a sterile occlusive dressing that overlaps the wound edges adequately.

    Dressing Application

    • Tape the occlusive dressing securely on three sides to allow air escape during expiration and prevent air intake during inspiration.

    Management of Complications

    • If a tension pneumothorax occurs, promptly remove the dressing.

    Definitive Treatment

    • A chest tube placement is the definitive intervention for an open pneumothorax to facilitate drainage.

    Emergency Nursing Assessment

    • Tachycardia and absent breath sounds over the right lung in an accident victim indicate a right-sided pneumothorax or hemothorax. Preparation for inserting a chest tube and drainage is crucial.

    First Action in Case of Stab Wound

    • For a stab wound to the left chest, the initial action should be to tape a nonporous dressing on three sides over the wound to manage air movement effectively and mitigate the risk of tension pneumothorax.

    Patient Positioning

    • Elevate the head of the bed to 30-45 degrees to enhance respiratory function.

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    Description

    This quiz covers key concepts related to open pneumothorax, including its definition and the signs and symptoms associated with it. Use these flashcards to test your understanding of this critical medical condition. Perfect for students and professionals in the medical field.

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