A sucking chest wound should be sealed as soon as possible to prevent:

• A. Bleeding
• B. Air from entering the wound
• C. Infection
• D. Shock

Answer: (B)

A sucking chest wound creates an open pathway for air to be drawn into the chest during inhalation, which can collapse the lung on that side and, if air keeps entering, progress to a tension pneumothorax that compromises breathing and circulation. Sealing the wound with an airtight dressing stops air from entering the pleural space, helping the lung re-expand and reducing the risk of the dangerous buildup of pressure. Bleeding, infection, and shock are concerns in chest injuries, but the immediate danger this wound poses is air entry into the chest, so preventing that air entry is the priority.