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Tension pneumothorax — USMLE Step 3 MCQ

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HardEmergency MedicineTension pneumothoraxUSMLE Step 3

A 25-year-old man is brought after a stab wound to the chest. He is hypotensive, tachycardic, and severely dyspneic. Examination shows tracheal deviation away from the injured side, absent breath sounds on the injured side, and distended neck veins. Which of the following is the most likely diagnosis?

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

Reveal the answer and explanation

Correct answer: E — Tension pneumothorax

Hypotension, unilateral absent breath sounds, tracheal deviation, and JVD after chest trauma indicate tension pneumothorax.

Reference: ATLS Student Course Manual