What should you do if a patient with a chest seal shows respiratory distress?

• A. Remove the chest seal entirely
• B. Burp the chest seal (release pressure)
• C. Apply another seal
• D. Do nothing and monitor

Answer: (B)

When a patient with a chest seal shows respiratory distress, the issue is often a developing tension pneumothorax where air is trapped under the seal and cannot escape. Burping the chest seal relieves this pressure by allowing trapped air to escape while still keeping the wound protected. This helps improve ventilation and breathing without removing the seal, which would leave the wound exposed and risk further contamination or bleeding.

To burp the seal, gently lift a corner or loosen the edge briefly to vent air, then re-secure the seal. Monitor the patient’s breathing and vital signs after venting and seek higher-level care if distress continues or worsens.