To treat a sucking chest wound, find a flat, impermeable patch that is approximately three times larger than the wound. Sterilize and clean the patch if possible to avoid introducing bacteria that can cause infection. Then, tape the patch down over the wound on three sides, leaving one side open to allow air to escape.
Monitor the patch to make sure the air isn't getting sucked in. Adjust if necessary. Then, clear the valve area of blood if it blocks air escaping the lungs. Finally, remove the patch if the victim displays any of the following symptoms: severe shortness of breath, different chest size, blue lips, or blue fingers.
Apply a dressing over the wound and tape it on three sides.-rationale: the nurse should immediately apply a dressing over the stab wound and tape it on three sides to allow air to escape and to prevent tension pneumothorax (which is more life-threatening than an open chest wound). only after covering and taping the wound should the nurse draw blood for laboratory tests, assist with chest tube insertion, and start an i.v. line.client needs category: physiological integrityclient needs subcategory: physiological adaptationcognitive level: applicationreference: smeltzer, s.c., et al. brunner & suddarths textbook of medical-surgical nursing, 11th ed. philadelphia: lippincott williams & wilkins, 2008, p. 724.
