Which option describes a sucking chest injury?

• A. Abdominal injury
• B. Closed chest injury
• C. Puncture wound not affecting the chest
• D. Type of open chest injury in which air and blood escape into the area surrounding the lungs, creating a change in pressure in the chest cavity

Answer: (D)

A sucking chest wound is an open chest injury where the chest wall is penetrated and air (often with blood) can enter the pleural space around the lungs. This intrusion of air changes the pressure inside the chest, making it hard for the lung on the injured side to expand and often causing a pneumothorax. The hallmark is air moving through the chest wound with breathing, sometimes producing a suctioning sound and respiratory distress. This distinguishes it from a closed chest injury, where the chest wall remains intact and air doesn’t enter the chest from outside, and from injuries not involving the chest. Treating it involves sealing the wound with an airtight dressing that prevents air from being sucked into the chest during inhalation while still allowing air to escape to avoid tension.