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Stable penetrating chest trauma — DipIMC MCQ

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ModeratePre-Hospital Trauma ManagementStable penetrating chest traumaDipIMC

A 25-year-old man is stabbed in the lateral chest. He is speaking, oxygen saturations are 97% on oxygen, pulse 110, blood pressure 116/72 and breath sounds are slightly reduced on the injured side. What is the most appropriate management?

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Correct answer: D — Monitor closely, provide analgesia and transport with pre-alert for penetrating chest injury

Reduced breath sounds after penetrating chest injury may represent pneumothorax or haemothorax, but decompression is reserved for severe respiratory compromise or haemodynamic instability. Close monitoring and timely transport are appropriate because deterioration can be sudden. Normal oxygen saturation does not make the injury benign. The pearl is to treat the patient’s physiology, not a single auscultation finding.

Reference: NICE Major Trauma NG39; JRCALC Guidelines 2025