Final answer:
The clinical features of tension pneumothorax include chest pain, shortness of breath (dyspnea), low blood pressure (hypotension), and potentially tracheal deviation.
Step-by-step explanation:
The clinical features associated with tension pneumothorax include a range of symptoms that reflect substantial impairment in respiratory function and cardiovascular stability. These are:
- Chest pain
- Dyspnea (shortness of breath)
- Hypotension (low blood pressure)
- Tracheal deviation (shift of the windpipe from its normal position)
When a tension pneumothorax occurs, air trapped in the pleural cavity increases, impairing venous return to the heart, which can lead to marked hypotension. The chest pain experienced is sharp and may worsen with breathing or coughing. Dyspnea occurs as a result of diminished lung function and the body's attempt to compensate for reduced oxygenation. Tracheal deviation, though less common, is a sign of significant pressure build-up that displaces mediastinal structures.