Okay, in alot of these "trauma" classes that are taught to nurses, and on the CEN exam, knowledge about tension PTX is taught and expected to be part of the ER nurses knowledge base. Signs/symptoms and treatment (needle decompression)....
so my question is this, as much as ER nursing education (inservice, conferences, lectures, CEN preps) talk about this, when was the last time an ER nurse actually performed needle chest decompression.
CAVEAT: I am not referring to those who might also work pre-hospital or EMS or HEMS; typically these people do it a lot. I'm just wondering about the ER folks.... any comments?
