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A 6-year-old patient is brought to the emergency department after a bicycle accident. Assessment reveals chest pain on inspiration, diminished breath sounds on the right side, and respiratory distress. The provider suspects obstructive shock caused by what condition?

Select the correct answer to this question.
A. Obstructive cardiac lesion
B. Cardiac tamponade
C. Pulmonary embolism
D. Tension pneumothorax

User Golinmarq
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Final answer:

The provider suspects obstructive shock caused by a tension pneumothorax (D), a condition where excess air in the thoracic cavity leads to compression of the lungs and compromised pulmonary function.

Step-by-step explanation:

The patient's symptoms of chest pain on inspiration, diminished breath sounds on the right side, and respiratory distress after a bicycle accident suggests the provider suspects obstructive shock. Given the patient's clinical presentation, the correct answer to this question is D. Tension pneumothorax. This condition involves the presence of an excessive amount of air in the thoracic cavity that compresses the lungs and impedes venous return, pulmonary function, and the delivery of oxygen to the tissues.


Other possible causes of obstructive shock include cardiac tamponade, which is excess fluid in the pericardial cavity that restricts heart function, and pulmonary embolism, which is a clot in the pulmonary vessels. However, based on the provided information, tension pneumothorax is the most likely cause.

User FIwJlxSzApHEZIl
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