A trauma patient has suspected tension pneumothorax: severe respiratory distress, hypotension, and tracheal deviation. Immediate management?...

Question

A trauma patient has suspected tension pneumothorax: severe respiratory distress, hypotension, and tracheal deviation. Immediate management?

Accepted Answer

Needle decompression at 4th or 5th intercostal space anterior to midaxillary line with long catheter, then chest tube

Answer

Obtain portable chest radiograph before intervention

Answer

Needle decompression at 2nd intercostal space midclavicular with short cannula

Answer

High-flow oxygen only and observe

Answer

Emergent CT scan of the chest

us-abem MCQ (SBA): Tension Pneumothorax