A 45-year-old male was stabbed in the left anterior chest. He is conscious, but restless. His skin is cool and clammy, his blood pressure is 90/60 mm Hg, his respirations are rapid and shallow, and his heart rate is 120 beats/min and weak. Further assessment reveals that his breath sounds are clear and equal bilaterally and his jugular veins are distended. In addition to giving him high-flow oxygen, you should:
A: cover the stab wound with an occlusive dressing, support ventilation as needed, and transport rapidly.
B: control the bleeding from the stab wound with a sterile porous dressing and reassess his vital signs.
C: suspect that the patient has a tension pneumothorax and notify the trauma center as soon as possible.
D: perform a detailed physical exam at the scene to ensure that you locate and treat less obvious injuries.
Answer: A: cover the stab wound with an occlusive dressing, support ventilation as needed, and transport rapidly.
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The jugular is a(n) _________________
a. vein that carries blood away from the face and neck b. artery that carries blood to most of the face and neck c. either a or b d. neither a nor b
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sterility. presence of mutations. a drop in lymphocyte count. shortening of the life span.