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Tension pneumothorax — MCCQE Part 1 MCQ

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EasyTraumaTension pneumothoraxMCCQE Part 1

A 25-year-old man after motorcycle crash has absent right breath sounds, tracheal deviation left, distended neck veins, hypotension. Most appropriate immediate intervention?

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Correct answer: B — Needle thoracostomy of right chest then chest tube

Tension pneumothorax: clinical diagnosis. Immediate needle decompression (14G, 2nd ICS MCL or 4th/5th ICS AAL) then tube thoracostomy. Do NOT delay for imaging.

Reference: ATLS / Trauma Association of Canada