This exam certifies prehospital professionals in the assessment and management of trauma patients, emphasizing rapid assessment and intervention.
A 28-year-old male involved in a fight has a single stab wound to the left 4th intercostal space, midclavicular line. He is anxious, with a respiratory rate of 28, heart rate of 120, and BP of 100/78. Breath sounds are diminished on the left. You apply an occlusive dressing. During transport, his anxiety increases, he becomes cyanotic, his heart rate is now 140, and his radial pulses are absent. What is the most appropriate next action?
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A
Initiate rapid fluid resuscitation.
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B
Perform needle decompression on the right side of the chest.
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C
Lift one side of the occlusive dressing.
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D
Assist ventilations with a bag-valve mask.