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Spontaneous tension pneumothorax — RCPSC EM MCQ

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EasyRespiratory emergenciesSpontaneous tension pneumothoraxRCPSC EM

A 23-year-old tall man develops sudden pleuritic chest pain and dyspnoea. He is cyanotic, blood pressure 84/50 mmHg, trachea is deviated to the left, and breath sounds are absent on the right. What is the most likely diagnosis?

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Correct answer: B — Tension pneumothorax

Sudden pleuritic pain with shock, tracheal deviation, and unilateral absent breath sounds is tension pneumothorax. It requires immediate decompression.

Reference: ATLS; Canadian emergency respiratory practice