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Traumatic tension pneumothorax — RCPSC EM MCQ

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EasyTraumaTraumatic tension pneumothoraxRCPSC EM

CTAS 1: A 35-year-old stabbed in the right chest is severely dyspnoeic. Vitals are BP 70/40, HR 146, RR 34, SpO2 82%. The right hemithorax has absent breath sounds and the trachea is deviated left. Neck veins are distended. What is the most appropriate initial management?

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Correct answer: B — Immediate finger thoracostomy or needle decompression followed by chest tube

Tension pneumothorax is a clinical diagnosis in unstable trauma. Immediate decompression precedes imaging, followed by definitive tube thoracostomy.

Reference: ATLS; Canadian trauma practice