Question

Your patient has an open gunshot wound to the chest that is making a gurgling noise. The patient has labored breathing and cyanosis. The FIRST priority of treatment is to _________.

1) Administer oxygen
2) Apply pressure to the wound
3) Perform CPR
4) Call for emergency medical assistance

Answer 1

The first priority when treating a patient with a gunshot wound to the chest is to apply pressure to the wound, while calling for emergency assistance; CPR is only for patients in cardiac arrest.

Step-by-step explanation:

When a patient presents with an open gunshot wound to the chest that is making a gurgling noise, exhibits labored breathing, and cyanosis, the FIRST priority of treatment is to apply pressure to the wound. Administering oxygen is critical but securing the airway and stopping the entry of air through the wound take precedence to prevent a tension pneumothorax, which could be fatal. Calling for emergency medical assistance should be done concurrently to ensure the patient receives professional medical treatment as soon as possible. CPR should only be performed if the patient is in cardiac arrest and not showing signs of heart activity or breathing.