Question

Open chest wounds should be covered with?

1) a non-occlusive dressing taped on all four sides
2) an occlusive dressing taped on three sides
3) an occlusive dressing taped on all four sides
4) a non-occlusive dressing taped on three sides

Answer 1

Open chest wounds should be covered with an occlusive dressing taped on three sides to allow trapped air to escape and prevent tension pneumothorax.

Step-by-step explanation:

Open chest wounds should be covered with an occlusive dressing taped on three sides. This is done to create a valve-like effect that allows air to exit the chest cavity without letting more air in, which is essential to prevent the development of a tension pneumothorax, a potentially life-threatening condition. Taping the dressing on all four sides might trap air inside and worsen the patient's condition, while using a non-occlusive dressing would not prevent air from entering the chest cavity.