New York State Basic Emergency Medical Technician (EMT-B) Practice Exam

What should you do if you notice a patient's breathing worsens after sealing a penetrating chest wound?

1. Immediately place the patient on the uninjured side

2. Lift one corner of the dressing

3. Administer positive-pressure ventilation

4. Administer pure oxygen to aid respiration

The correct answer is: Lift one corner of the dressing

In the scenario of a worsening respiratory condition after sealing a penetrating chest wound, lifting one corner of the dressing is the appropriate action. This is because a sealed penetrating chest wound can create a tension pneumothorax, where air becomes trapped in the pleural cavity, leading to increased pressure on the lungs and reduced effectiveness of breathing. By lifting one corner of the dressing, you allow air to escape from the pleural space, reducing the pressure and thus potentially improving the patient's ability to breathe. Maintaining the correct balance between sealing the wound and allowing necessary air exchange is critical. In managing chest injuries, it's essential to monitor the patient's respiratory status closely and adjust the treatment accordingly. Other choices, while they may seem relevant, would not directly address the immediate need to relieve the pressure in this situation. Simply placing the patient on the uninjured side could help in some cases, but it does not alleviate the tension that might be building up. Administering positive-pressure ventilation could exacerbate the situation by increasing pressure further unless it is managed carefully, since it would push air into a system that may already be compromised. Administering pure oxygen might help with oxygenation but does not resolve the underlying problem of a potential tension pneumothorax