The nurse would explain that emergency treatment of a tension pneumothorax requires
A) a small stab wound with a skin blade made into the pleural space.
B) covering the chest wall wound with gauze.
C) immediate tracheostomy.
D) insertion of an 18-gauge needle into the pleural space.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The immediate intervention is to convert tension pneumothorax into open pneumothorax (a less serious disorder). If a delay is anticipated (with chest tube insertion), a 14- to 18-gauge needle is inserted into the pleural space of the affected side at the level of the second intercostal space at the midclavicular line.

The Nurse Would Explain That Emergency Treatment of a Tension