Final answer:
In the case of a spontaneous pneumothorax, a patient would likely exhibit decreased tactile fremitus and hyperresonance on the affected side, with possibly increased breath sounds on the unaffected side.
Step-by-step explanation:
In a patient with absent unilateral apical breath sounds secondary to a spontaneous pneumothorax, we would expect to find decreased tactile fremitus on the affected side, due to the air in the pleural space reducing transmission of vibrations. Additionally, hyperresonance on percussion of the affected side is typical because the presence of air in the pleural space causes a drum-like sound when struck. Increased breath sounds on the unaffected side may also be observed as the unaffected lung tries to compensate for the reduced function of the affected lung. Inspiratory crackles over the affected lung are not typically associated with pneumothorax; instead, they are more indicative of conditions like pneumonia.