In tension pneumothorax management, what is the next step after needle decompression?

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Multiple Choice

In tension pneumothorax management, what is the next step after needle decompression?

Explanation:
Relieving the trapped air is urgent, but the needle is only a temporary fix. The next step is chest tube placement on the affected side. A chest tube (tube thoracostomy) provides definitive drainage of the pleural space, allowing the lung to re-expand and preventing reaccumulation of air that would cause the tension again. Oxygen support helps with overall oxygenation, but it does not treat the underlying issue. Observation or antibiotics aren’t appropriate once a tension pneumothorax has been decompressed.

Relieving the trapped air is urgent, but the needle is only a temporary fix. The next step is chest tube placement on the affected side. A chest tube (tube thoracostomy) provides definitive drainage of the pleural space, allowing the lung to re-expand and preventing reaccumulation of air that would cause the tension again. Oxygen support helps with overall oxygenation, but it does not treat the underlying issue. Observation or antibiotics aren’t appropriate once a tension pneumothorax has been decompressed.

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