Which device is contraindicated in patients with blunt thoracic trauma?

In patients with blunt thoracic trauma, the use of an oxygen-powered ventilator is contraindicated due to the risk of further damaging the thoracic structures. Blunt chest trauma can often lead to injuries like pneumothorax or hemothorax, which may complicate ventilation methods that rely on airway pressure. An oxygen-powered ventilator works by creating positive pressure to assist with breathing, which could exacerbate any existing injuries to the thoracic cavity, such as causing air to escape into the pleural space or further increase the risk of a tension pneumothorax.

In contrast, other devices listed, such as an oral airway, nasal airway, or bag-mask device, can be used with caution in a trauma setting, as they do not generate the same level of positive pressure that may be harmful in cases of compromised thoracic integrity. However, each of these devices requires careful assessment of the patient’s airway and trauma severity, but they generally pose less risk compared to an oxygen-powered ventilator in the context of blunt thoracic trauma.