A tension pneumothorax is suggested by which finding?

A tension pneumothorax is suggested by which finding?

• A. Hyperresonance with reduced breath sounds on the affected side
• B. Tracheal deviation with loud breath sounds
• C. Dull percussion with decreased breath sounds
• D. Clear breath sounds with stable vitals

Answer: (B)

Tension pneumothorax is identified by air trapping that increases intrathoracic pressure, causing the lung on the affected side to collapse and often shifting the mediastinum away. The classic signs are a hyperresonant percussion note on the affected side with diminished or absent breath sounds there, reflecting the collapsed lung. Tracheal deviation can occur as pressure rises, but the breath sounds are not loud; they’re reduced because the affected lung is compressed. So, the finding that best suggests a tension pneumothorax is hyperresonance with reduced breath sounds on the affected side. In practice, suspect this as an emergency and manage promptly with decompression if indicated.

Tension pneumothorax is identified by air trapping that increases intrathoracic pressure, causing the lung on the affected side to collapse and often shifting the mediastinum away. The classic signs are a hyperresonant percussion note on the affected side with diminished or absent breath sounds there, reflecting the collapsed lung. Tracheal deviation can occur as pressure rises, but the breath sounds are not loud; they’re reduced because the affected lung is compressed. So, the finding that best suggests a tension pneumothorax is hyperresonance with reduced breath sounds on the affected side. In practice, suspect this as an emergency and manage promptly with decompression if indicated.