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Traumatic pneumothorax — ABEM Board MCQ

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ModerateTraumaTraumatic pneumothoraxABEM Board

A 38-year-old man with COPD arrives after a stab wound to the lateral chest. Triage acuity is ESI 2; BP 118/72 mm Hg, HR 104/min, SpO2 94% on nasal cannula. Chest radiograph shows a moderate pneumothorax. After tube thoracostomy, air leak persists and pain is controlled. Which of the following is the most appropriate disposition?

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

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Correct answer: D — Admit for chest tube management and surgical monitoring

Traumatic pneumothorax treated with tube thoracostomy requires inpatient monitoring, particularly with persistent air leak.

Reference: ATLS chest trauma guidance