ACCS Practice Exam 2025 – Complete Test Preparation Guide

In cases of blunt chest trauma accompanied by shortness of breath, the recommended intervention of inserting a left chest tube is particularly relevant when there is a suspicion of a pneumothorax or hemothorax due to the trauma. This procedure is crucial because it allows for the drainage of air or blood from the pleural space, which can alleviate pressure on the lungs and improve respiratory function.

When blunt chest trauma occurs, it’s common for patients to experience complications such as lung contusions, pneumothorax, or hemothorax, all of which can restrict lung expansion and lead to significant respiratory distress. The insertion of a chest tube helps restore normal intrathoracic pressure, allowing the lungs to expand properly and facilitating adequate oxygenation and ventilation.

While increased supplemental oxygen, immediate intubation, and chest physiotherapy may play roles in managing respiratory distress, they do not directly address the underlying mechanical issues caused by fluid or air in the chest cavity. Supplemental oxygen can provide temporary relief by improving oxygen saturation, but it doesn’t resolve the cause of hypoxia in the case of a significant thoracic injury. Immediate intubation is a more invasive step typically reserved for severe respiratory failure not corrected by less invasive measures. Chest physiotherapy