Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Intermediate Practice Exam

In a patient with blunt trauma to the chest, what should you do to assist with breathing?

1. Encourage deep breathing exercises

2. Assist his ventilations with a bag-mask device

3. Provide a nebulized bronchodilator

4. Administer chest compressions

The correct answer is: Assist his ventilations with a bag-mask device

In the context of assisting a patient with blunt trauma to the chest, employing a bag-mask device to assist ventilations is particularly appropriate. Following blunt chest trauma, patients may experience respiratory distress or failure due to potential injuries like pneumothorax, hemothorax, or rib fractures that can impede proper breathing and gas exchange. Using a bag-mask device ensures that the patient's airway is adequately supported while delivering positive pressure ventilation. This method helps maintain oxygenation and ventilation when the patient is unable to breathe effectively on their own. It is crucial in emergencies, as it provides immediate assistance and can be life-saving for someone with compromised breathing. In contrast, encouraging deep breathing exercises may not be feasible or helpful in an acute setting where the patient is in distress. Nebulized bronchodilators are useful in cases of bronchospasm or asthma but may not address the specific needs of a patient who has sustained blunt chest trauma. Administering chest compressions is reserved for cardiac arrest situations, not for addressing issues related to breathing following trauma.