What complication can arise from improperly sealing a chest wound?

Improperly sealing a chest wound can lead to an air embolism, which is a serious complication. When a chest wound is not adequately sealed, air can enter the pleural cavity, the space between the lung and the chest wall. This can result in a condition known as tension pneumothorax, where air accumulates and increases pressure in the chest cavity.

As pressure builds, it can cause the lung on the affected side to collapse and push mediastinal structures, including the heart and major vessels, away from the injured side. If a significant amount of air enters the bloodstream through damaged blood vessels, it can form an air embolism, leading to potentially life-threatening situations such as blocked blood flow to vital organs.

In contrast, while infection, deep vein thrombosis, and hematoma formation are also complications that can arise in various medical scenarios, they are not directly associated with the immediate management of a chest wound in the same way that an improperly sealed wound can lead to air entering the circulation.