In open pneumothorax management, what dressing should be applied?

• A. Three-sided occlusive dressing (vented) to allow air escape while preventing additional air entry
• B. Fully occlusive dressing over the wound
• C. Wet gauze pad held in place with tape around all four sides
• D. Simple adhesive dressing only

Answer: (A)

Open pneumothorax requires a dressing that seals the wound to stop air entry but still allows air to escape, preventing pressure from building inside the chest. A three-sided occlusive dressing (vented) achieves this by sealing three sides while leaving one edge unsealed to vent air as the patient exhales, reducing the risk of tension pneumothorax. A fully occlusive dressing would trap air and potentially worsen a tension pneumothorax, a wet gauze pad around all four sides can be unstable and hinder venting, and a simple adhesive dressing may not provide an adequate seal or venting.