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Tension Pneumothorax Chest Drain — FRCA Final MCQ

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ModerateTrauma & Emergency AnaesthesiaTension Pneumothorax Chest DrainFRCA Final

Tension pneumothorax: needle decompression with transient improvement then recurrence. Next step?

Educational content. Not a substitute for clinical judgement or local policy.

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Correct answer: E — Chest drain 5th ICS anterior axillary line

Needle decompression = temporising (converts tension → simple). Definitive: intercostal drain in safe triangle (5th ICS, anterior axillary line). Large bore (28-32 Fr) for trauma. In acute decompensation proceed directly — no CXR needed.

Reference: BTS – 2023 – Chest drain insertion; ATLS – 2018