NBCSN Nationally Certified School Nurse Practice Exam 2025 - Free School Nurse Certification Practice Questions and Study Guide

The immediate treatment for a tension pneumothorax involves performing needle decompression. This procedure is crucial because a tension pneumothorax occurs when air enters the pleural space and cannot escape, leading to increased pressure that can cause the lung to collapse and compromise cardiac output and breathing. Needle decompression rapidly relieves that pressure by allowing trapped air to be released.

In a school setting, recognizing the signs of tension pneumothorax, such as sudden respiratory distress or unilateral chest expansion and decreased breath sounds on one side, prompts immediate action. Performing the procedure correctly and efficiently can dramatically improve the patient's chance of survival while waiting for further medical intervention.

While administering oxygen is important in many respiratory emergencies, it does not address the underlying issue of pressure build-up in the pleural space. Calling for emergency medical services is also crucial, but it is a step that follows stabilizing the patient through decompression in this scenario. Applying ice and elevation would not be appropriate responses to this specific emergency, as they do not address the life-threatening condition presented.