What happens to the lung if a hole is created in the chest wall?

Study for the NOLS Wilderness Emergency Medical Technician (WEMT) Test with flashcards and multiple-choice questions, each offering hints and explanations. Prepare for your exam confidently!

When a hole is created in the chest wall, a condition known as a pneumothorax occurs, which can lead to the collapse of the lung. This happens because the lung relies on negative pressure within the pleural cavity to keep it inflated. When air enters this space through the hole, the pressure changes, preventing the lung from fully expanding.

As a result, the lung cannot maintain its normal volume, leading to partial or complete collapse. This situation can result in significant respiratory distress, as the affected lung is unable to provide adequate oxygen exchange. The lung does not fill with fluid, expand improperly, or continue to function normally after the integrity of the chest wall is compromised in this manner. Understanding this process is critical for wilderness medical technicians, as they must be prepared to recognize and manage such injuries in remote settings.

Subscribe

Get the latest from Examzify

You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our privacy policy