23rd September 2020

A 41-year-old male is suspected of having a tension pneumothorax

A 41-year-old male is brought into the ED having sustained high-impact blunt trauma to his chest. You suspect a tension pneumothorax but are unsure of the diagnosis. He is alert with a blood pressure of 105/70 mmHg, a respiratory rate of 22bpm, and his oxygen saturations are 94% on high flow oxygen. What is the next most appropriate step in the patient’s care?

Select the SINGLE most appropriate option from the list below. Select ONE option only.