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Tension pneumothorax — RCPSC EM MCQ

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EasyTraumaTension pneumothoraxRCPSC EM

A 45-year-old cyclist with blunt chest trauma is cyanotic and hypotensive. Trachea is deviated right, left chest is hyperresonant with absent breath sounds, and the monitor shows sinus tachycardia. What is the most appropriate initial management?

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

Tension pneumothorax is a clinical diagnosis in unstable trauma and requires immediate decompression before imaging.

Reference: ATLS principles adapted to Canadian trauma systems