04-15-2007, 07:58 AM
A 24-year-old man is brought to the emergency
department after sustaining a stab wound to the
left anterior thorax just medial to the nipple. He is
combative on arrival. His blood pressure is 70/50
mm Hg. The neck veins are distended. Breath
sounds are normal bilaterally. Which of the
following is the most appropriate next step in
management?
(A) X-ray of the chest
(B) Endotracheal intubation
© ECG
(D) Insertion of a tube into the left side of
the chest
(E) Pericardiocentesis
department after sustaining a stab wound to the
left anterior thorax just medial to the nipple. He is
combative on arrival. His blood pressure is 70/50
mm Hg. The neck veins are distended. Breath
sounds are normal bilaterally. Which of the
following is the most appropriate next step in
management?
(A) X-ray of the chest
(B) Endotracheal intubation
© ECG
(D) Insertion of a tube into the left side of
the chest
(E) Pericardiocentesis