A patient has a sucking chest wound. Which condition is indicated and what causes it?

A patient has a sucking chest wound. Which condition is indicated and what causes it?

• A. Open pneumothorax, air is rushing into the pleural space during inspiration
• B. Tension pneumothorax caused by trapped air under pressure
• C. Hemothorax due to blood in the pleural space
• D. Pleural effusion due to fluid accumulation

Answer: (A)

A chest wall opening that communicates with the pleural space causes an open pneumothorax. Air is drawn into the pleural cavity through the wound with each inspiration because the negative intrapleural pressure normally holding the lung expanded is lost at the chest wall. The lung on that side may collapse, and you can hear a sucking sound as air moves through the wound. This differs from a tension pneumothorax, where air becomes trapped and builds pressure; a hemothorax, where blood fills the pleural space; or a pleural effusion, where fluid accumulates. The wound provides a direct path for air to enter the pleural space during breathing, causing open pneumothorax.

A chest wall opening that communicates with the pleural space causes an open pneumothorax. Air is drawn into the pleural cavity through the wound with each inspiration because the negative intrapleural pressure normally holding the lung expanded is lost at the chest wall. The lung on that side may collapse, and you can hear a sucking sound as air moves through the wound. This differs from a tension pneumothorax, where air becomes trapped and builds pressure; a hemothorax, where blood fills the pleural space; or a pleural effusion, where fluid accumulates. The wound provides a direct path for air to enter the pleural space during breathing, causing open pneumothorax.