Which action helps prevent air entry when treating an open chest wound?

Which action helps prevent air entry when treating an open chest wound?

• A. Remove dressing to inspect wound
• B. Apply a dry gauze dressing only
• C. Cover with a sterile occlusive dressing or chest seal to prevent air entry
• D. Tape an additional cloth over the wound

Answer: (C)

When the chest is open, air can be drawn into the pleural space with each breath, increasing the risk of a pneumothorax or even a tension pneumothorax. Covering the wound with a sterile occlusive dressing or a chest seal creates a tight seal over the wound, preventing air from entering the chest cavity. Many chest seals are designed as one-way valves, so they block entry of air but may allow trapped air to escape if pressure builds, which helps protect against a life-threatening shift in chest pressure. Removing the dressing to inspect the wound, using only a dry gauze, or adding an extra cloth does not reliably seal the wound and can allow air to enter, defeating the protection you’re aiming for.

When the chest is open, air can be drawn into the pleural space with each breath, increasing the risk of a pneumothorax or even a tension pneumothorax. Covering the wound with a sterile occlusive dressing or a chest seal creates a tight seal over the wound, preventing air from entering the chest cavity. Many chest seals are designed as one-way valves, so they block entry of air but may allow trapped air to escape if pressure builds, which helps protect against a life-threatening shift in chest pressure.

Removing the dressing to inspect the wound, using only a dry gauze, or adding an extra cloth does not reliably seal the wound and can allow air to enter, defeating the protection you’re aiming for.