A 34-year-old man is brought after a stabbing injury. He has severe dyspnea, hypotension, distended neck veins, tracheal deviation, and absent breath

Question

A 34-year-old man is brought after a stabbing injury. He has severe dyspnea, hypotension, distended neck veins, tracheal deviation, and absent breath sounds on the left. Which of the following is the most appropriate at this time?

Accepted Answer

Perform immediate needle decompression followed by chest tube placement

Answer

Observe until x-ray confirms diagnosis

Answer

Give diuretics for neck vein distention

Answer

Obtain CT chest before treatment

Answer

Perform bronchoscopy first

Tension pneumothorax — USMLE Step 3 MCQ

A 34-year-old man is brought after a stabbing injury. He has severe dyspnea, hypotension, distended neck veins, tracheal deviation, and absent breath sounds on the left. Which of the following is the most appropriate at this time?