Final answer:
The main difference is that 4 views of the chest wall provide a more comprehensive examination for diagnosing pneumothorax compared to 1 view, which could miss certain areas of potential lung collapse due to its limited scope.
Step-by-step explanation:
The difference between 1 view and 4 views of the chest wall when diagnosing a pneumothorax (PTX) with ultrasound (US) relates to the comprehensiveness of the examination. Performing ultrasound with only 1 view may provide a limited assessment, potentially missing a PTX that could be better visualized from additional angles. Using 4 views increases the likelihood of detecting a PTX by allowing for a more thorough examination of the chest wall, as it includes multiple regions of the thoracic cavity.
A more detailed approach involves scanning different anatomical areas defined by landmarks such as the ribs and clavicles, while the simpler quadrant method divides the cavity using horizontal and vertical lines intersecting at the umbilicus. The various views during an ultrasound can help healthcare professionals visualize and assess different sections of the chest cavity, which is crucial in diagnosing conditions like PTX.