A 45-year-old presents with sudden onset severe shortness of breath. Examination shows tracheal deviation away from the left side, hyperresonance on t...

Question

A 45-year-old presents with sudden onset severe shortness of breath. Examination shows tracheal deviation away from the left side, hyperresonance on the left, and absent breath sounds on the left. What is the immediate management step?

Accepted Answer

Needle decompression of the left chest

Answer

Urgent chest X-ray

Answer

High-flow oxygen only

Answer

Immediate CT scan

Answer

IV antibiotics

Emergency medicine & Acute presentations — MRCEM SBA MCQ

A 45-year-old presents with sudden onset severe shortness of breath. Examination shows tracheal deviation away from the left side, hyperresonance on the left, and absent breath sounds on the left. What is the immediate management step?