Which procedure should be avoided in the case of a lateral chest stab wound?

In the case of a lateral chest stab wound, applying spinal motion restriction is essential to prevent exacerbating any potential spinal injuries. The primary concern in such traumas is the possibility of injury to the thoracic structures, such as the lungs or major vessels, which could lead to complications such as tension pneumothorax. While spinal motion restriction is critical for injuries involving the spine, in this specific situation related to a lateral chest stab wound, it is not the most relevant procedure, as the focus should be on managing the chest injury effectively.

Bag-valve-mask ventilations could be necessary if the patient's breathing is compromised, and supplemental oxygen administration is often crucial in any trauma case to improve oxygenation. The application of an occlusive dressing is a common practice to seal a chest wound and prevent air from entering the pleural space, which is critical to managing potential pneumothorax. Therefore, spinal motion restriction, while important in trauma care, is less pertinent to the immediate management of a lateral chest stab wound compared to the other options outlined.