Question

You are caring for a patient who was shot multiple times in the chest and abdomen. The patient is unresponsive with snoring. What should you do?

1) Administer CPR
2) Apply pressure to the wounds
3) Call for emergency medical assistance
4) Perform a tracheostomy

Answer 1

Immediate care for a patient with multiple gunshot wounds includes securing the airway, calling for emergency medical assistance, applying pressure to the wounds, and potentially performing CPR if trained to do so and if necessary.

Step-by-step explanation:

The immediate priority when assisting a patient who has been shot multiple times in the chest and abdomen and is unresponsive is to ensure an open airway and to stop any severe bleeding. Since the patient is presenting with snoring respirations, which can indicate an obstructed airway, you should check airway patency and perform necessary interventions such as the head-tilt chin-lift maneuver or jaw thrust if spinal injury is suspected.

Once the airway is secured or in process of being managed, you should then:

1. Call for emergency medical assistance immediately, as professional medical intervention is required as soon as possible.
2. Apply direct pressure to the wounds to manage hemorrhage, using bandages or clean cloths.
3. If the patient is not breathing or has no pulse, begin CPR, ensuring to avoid applying pressure over the gunshot wounds. Proper hand placement for CPR is between the T4 and T9 vertebrae on the sternum.

If you are not trained, the application of CPR should only be attempted if there are no trained professionals available and the situation is life-threatening. Performing a tracheostomy is a specialized medical procedure and should not be attempted by someone not trained and authorized to do so.