Question

A 25-year-old man presents with sudden onset pleuritic chest pain and dyspnoea. Examination reveals hyperresonance on the right side and diminished breath sounds. He is otherwise stable with normal vitals. What is the recommended initial management?

Accepted Answer

Needle aspiration of the pleural cavity

Answer

High-flow oxygen and observe

Answer

Immediate chest drain insertion

Answer

Urgent thoracotomy

Answer

Administer intravenous antibiotics

Practice question

A 25-year-old man presents with sudden onset pleuritic chest pain and dyspnoea. Examination reveals hyperresonance on the right side and diminished breath sounds. He is otherwise stable with normal vitals. What is the recommended initial management?