What is the purpose of taping an occlusive dressing on three sides over a penetrating chest wound?

• A. To seal the wound completely to prevent air movement.
• B. To prevent air from escaping entirely.
• C. To keep the wound moist for faster healing.
• D. To allow air to escape and prevent tension pneumothorax.

Answer: (D)

A penetrating chest wound can lead to air leaking into the pleural space, and the dressing placed three-sided creates a one-way vent. By sealing three sides, it minimizes air entering the chest, while leaving a vented edge that allows air to escape as intrathoracic pressure rises. This prevents air from accumulating and causing a tension pneumothorax, which could compress the lung and shift the mediastinum. Sealing the wound completely would trap air inside, increasing pressure; trying to keep air from escaping entirely would also trap air. Keeping the wound moist isn’t the priority in this emergency, where preventing life-threatening pressure buildup is key.