Question

What are signs of a simple (closed) pneumothorax?

A) Subcutaneous emphysema
B) Reduced breath sounds on affected side
C) Hyperresonance on percussion
D) Chest pain and dyspnea

Answer 1

Signs of a simple (closed) pneumothorax include reduced breath sounds on the affected side, hyperresonance on percussion, and chest pain with dyspnea. Subcutaneous emphysema is not typically a sign of simple pneumothorax. Diagnosis is confirmed by clinical examination and imaging studies like chest radiograph.

Step-by-step explanation:

The signs of a simple (closed) pneumothorax may include B) Reduced breath sounds on the affected side, C) Hyperresonance on percussion, and D) Chest pain and dyspnea. A closed pneumothorax occurs when air accumulates in the pleural space, the area between the lung and the chest wall, but does not have an external opening. This can lead to collapsed lung tissue and compromise respiration.

Subcutaneous emphysema (A) is not typically a sign of simple pneumothorax but is associated with more severe chest trauma where air escapes into surrounding tissue layers. When examining a patient suspected of having a pneumothorax, healthcare professional might notice symptoms like reduced breath sounds on one side due to the presence of air rather than lung tissue transmitting the sound, hyperresonance upon percussion because the pleural space is filled with air, and chest discomfort along with difficulty breathing (dyspnea) caused by the reduced lung capacity. These clinical presentations can be confirmed with imaging studies such as a chest radiograph, revealing the presence of air in the pleural space and the position of the lung.

Answer 2

Reduced breath sounds on the affected side, hyperresonance on percussion, and chest pain with dyspnea are signs of a simple (closed) pneumothorax, which is the collection of air in the pleural space that causes lung collapse.

Step-by-step explanation:

The signs of a simple (closed) pneumothorax typically include B) Reduced breath sounds on the affected side, C) Hyperresonance on percussion, and D) Chest pain and dyspnea. As a simple pneumothorax occurs when there is a collection of air in the space between the lung and the chest wall, this air causes a part of or the entire lung to collapse. This condition can lead to a decrease in blood oxygen levels, known as hypoxemia. A sign such as subcutaneous emphysema (A) could suggest a more severe injury, but it is not typical for a simple pneumothorax. During a physical examination, a healthcare provider might notice the aforementioned symptoms alongside a possibly elevated heart rate. Chest radiographs or other imaging techniques are essential for confirming the presence of a pneumothorax.