skip to main content

Severe community-acquired pneumonia — SCE Respiratory MCQ

Instant feedback + full explanation. One question, done properly.

HardRespiratory InfectionsSevere community-acquired pneumoniaSCE Respiratory

A traveller’s first primary spontaneous pneumothorax has been treated. A chest radiograph today confirms complete resolution and she asks when she may take a commercial flight. She has no planned thoracic intervention. What is the minimum usual interval?

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

Reveal the answer and explanation

Correct answer: E — Seven days after full radiographic resolution

Explanation lettering: B = shown as A · D = shown as B · E = shown as C · A = shown as D · C = shown as E

C is correct. BTS advises against commercial air travel while a pneumothorax remains present because trapped gas expands at cabin altitude. A patient should wait seven days after full resolution has been confirmed on chest radiography; higher-risk cystic-lung-disease situations need individual specialist advice. Drain removal or symptom resolution alone does not prove re-expansion. The longer blanket intervals in the alternatives are not the standard recommendation for an uncomplicated resolved primary spontaneous pneumothorax.

Reference: https://thorax.bmj.com/content/77/4/329