Difficulty: Medium
Average Score: 64%
Practice
Which assessment findings accompany a tension pneumothorax? Select all that apply.
Correct answer
A
Rationale
The correct answer is A: Severe dyspnea. In a tension pneumothorax, air accumulates in the pleural space, increasing pressure in the chest cavity, leading to severe dyspnea due to impaired lung expansion. Extreme agitation (B) is not a typical finding. Tracheal deviation (C) is seen in tension pneumothorax, not always present. Progressive cyanosis (D) may occur but is not as specific as severe dyspnea.