skip to main content

Primary Spontaneous Pneumothorax — RACP Adult Medicine MCQ

Instant feedback + full explanation. One question, done properly.

EasyRespiratoryPrimary Spontaneous PneumothoraxRACP Adult Medicine

A 45-year-old male smoker presents to ED with acute onset right-sided pleuritic chest pain and dyspnoea. His oxygen saturation is 88% on room air. CXR shows absent lung markings on the right with visible visceral pleural edge. The trachea is midline. What is the most likely diagnosis?

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

Reveal the answer and explanation

Correct answer: E — Primary spontaneous pneumothorax

Absent lung markings with a visible visceral pleural edge on CXR in a young male smoker with acute pleuritic chest pain and dyspnoea is diagnostic of a primary spontaneous pneumothorax. The midline trachea suggests it is not under tension. Management depends on size and symptoms (aspiration vs intercostal catheter).

Reference: eTG Respiratory – 2024 – Pneumothorax