Free BCEN Certified Emergency Nurse (CEN) Practice Question

A 22-year-old male presents to the emergency department after a high-speed motor vehicle collision. He is alert but anxious, with rapid shallow breathing, and exhibits paradoxical chest wall movement. On auscultation, breath sounds are absent on the left side, and tracheal deviation is noted toward the right. Which of the following is the most appropriate initial intervention?

  • Administer high-flow oxygen and initiate CPAP

  • Prepare for immediate intubation

  • Immediate needle decompression on the affected side

  • Obtain a chest X-ray to confirm the diagnosis

This question's topic:
BCEN Certified Emergency Nurse (CEN) / 
Respiratory Emergencies
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