injuries poisoning
Pneumothorax (Open)
Treatment of Open Pneumothorax
Partially occlusive dressing followed by tube thoracostomy Immediate management of open pneumothorax is to cover the wound with a rectangular sterile occlusive dressing that is closed securely with tape on only 3 sides. Thus, the dressing prevents atmospheric air from entering the chest wall during inspiration but allows any intrapleural air out during expiration. Tube thoracostomy should be done when the patient is stabilized. The wound may require later surgical repair. 