Which dressing is used to treat an open pneumothorax?

• A. Two-sided dressing
• B. Single-sided dressing
• C. Occlusive bandage only
• D. Three-sided occlusive dressing

Answer: (D)

Open pneumothorax needs a dressing that seals the wound while still allowing air to escape as the chest wall moves. A three-sided occlusive dressing does exactly that: it seals three sides to prevent air from leaking into the chest through the wound, while leaving one edge free to vent air out. This creates a one-way, flutter-valve effect, reducing the risk of air buildup and tension pneumothorax. Fully occlusive dressings on all four sides can trap air and worsen pressure, while dressings that aren’t occlusive or that cover only one or two sides don’t provide an adequate seal or venting. So the three-sided occlusive dressing best manages an open chest wound in the field.