Question

You are stabilizing a patient who has just been stabbed in the chest to the right of the mediastinum. After placing the patient on supplemental​ oxygen, his shortness of breath resolves. You also cover the wound with an occlusive dressing. The patient is asymptomatic at the time​ you're making the decision to transport. Which of the following best encapsulates the correct strategy for​ transport?

A. Begin transport​ non-emergently and upgrade if the​ patient's condition deteriorates.
B. Transport the patient​ non-emergently because​ he's complaint free.
C. Transport the patient emergently because of the high index of suspicion for a serious injury.
D. The patient does not necessarily need​ transport, so allow him to refuse if he wants.

Answer 1

The correct strategy for transport in this situation would be to transport the patient emergently due to the high index of suspicion for a serious injury.

Step-by-step explanation:

Based on the information provided, the correct strategy for transport in this situation would be to transport the patient emergently because of the high index of suspicion for a serious injury. Although the patient is currently asymptomatic and the shortness of breath has resolved with supplemental oxygen, the fact that the patient has been stabbed in the chest to the right of the mediastinum raises concerns for potential damage to vital structures such as the heart, lungs, or major blood vessels. Even if the patient is currently stable, there is a risk of delayed complications that may require emergent medical intervention. Therefore, it is important to transport the patient promptly to a healthcare facility where further evaluation and treatment can be provided.