Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Intermediate Practice Exam

What is the primary concern when transporting a patient with a suspected pneumothorax?

1. Maintaining airway patency

2. Preventing hypoventilation

3. Monitoring for respiratory distress

4. All of the above

The correct answer is: All of the above

When transporting a patient with a suspected pneumothorax, all aspects of managing their condition are crucial, making it important to address each focus area. Maintaining airway patency is essential to ensure the patient can breathe adequately, as a compromised airway can lead to respiratory failure. Preventing hypoventilation is also a key concern because a pneumothorax can affect lung function, leading to inadequate ventilation and potential respiratory acidosis. Monitoring for respiratory distress is critical, as the presence of a pneumothorax can rapidly change a patient’s condition, and the EMT needs to be vigilant for any signs of deterioration. Recognizing that each of these concerns is interconnected, this comprehensive approach to patient management justifies the answer that emphasizes the importance of all these elements during transport.