A 26-year-old male has summoned EMS after lifting a heavy box and suddenly experiencing shortness of breath and sharp pain to the left side of his chest that worsens with deep inspiration. Given this description, you immediately become suspicious of a pneumothorax. Which of the following should you perform next to help confirm this suspicion?
A) Inquire about past lung problems.
B) Obtain an SpO2 reading.
C) Palpate the chest for subcutaneous emphysema.
D) Auscultate breath sounds.
Question 2
A 47-year-old female presents with a single gunshot wound to the chest. You can see and hear air moving in and out of the wound. You should:
A) apply a nonrebreather mask. B) place a gloved hand over the wound.
C) apply antibiotic cream to the wound. D) irrigate it with normal saline.
