What is the purpose of performing needle chest decompression?

Needle chest decompression is primarily performed to relieve respiratory distress caused by conditions such as tension pneumothorax. In such a situation, air accumulates in the pleural space, leading to increased pressure on the lungs and surrounding structures, which can severely impact the patient's ability to breathe. By using a needle to decompress the pleural cavity, the trapped air can be released, allowing the lung to expand again, thus restoring normal breathing and improving oxygenation. This intervention is critical in emergency situations to quickly alleviate the life-threatening effects of increased pleural pressure and respiratory compromise.