A patient suddenly develops severe dyspnea, hypotension, absent breath sounds on one side and tracheal deviation after chest trauma. Which action is the priority nursing action?

Correct answer: B. Apply high-flow oxygen and activate emergency help

  • A. Place the patient flat and offer oral fluids
  • B. Apply high-flow oxygen and activate emergency help
  • C. Encourage coughing and deep-breathing exercises
  • D. Obtain a routine sputum specimen for culture

Explanation

These findings suggest a tension pneumothorax, which severely impairs breathing and circulation. Oxygen and immediate emergency assistance are priorities while preparing for urgent decompression; oral fluids and routine tests delay lifesaving care.

Submitted by a TestUstad contributor and published by the TestUstad editorial teamLast updated
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The respiratory system includes the air passages, lungs, pleura, alveoli and the mechanics of breathing. It explains pulmonary ventilation, gas exchange, oxygen and carbon dioxide transport, regulation of breathing, and the difference between external respiration in the lungs and internal respiration in body tissues.

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