Beginner Scuba Certification Practice Test

To relieve pneumothorax, the primary action taken is to release the trapped air from the pleural space. A pneumothorax occurs when air leaks into the space between the lung and the chest wall, causing the lung to collapse. This condition can lead to respiratory distress and other serious complications, so it's essential to address it promptly.

Releasing the trapped air can often be done through procedures such as needle decompression or chest tube insertion. These procedures allow the excess air to escape, enabling the lung to re-expand and restore normal breathing. It's crucial to perform this action to alleviate the pressure that prevents the lung from functioning correctly.

The other options, such as injecting medication, compressing the chest, or performing CPR, do not directly address the problem of trapped air in the pleural space. While medications may be used to manage pain or inflammation, they do not alleviate the physical issue of the trapped air which is the critical factor in treating a pneumothorax.