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Primary spontaneous pneumothorax — ABEM Board MCQ

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EasyPulmonary emergenciesPrimary spontaneous pneumothoraxABEM Board

A 23-year-old tall, thin man presents as triage level 3 with sudden pleuritic right chest pain and mild dyspnea. BP is 124/76 mm Hg, oxygen saturation 98%, and chest radiograph shows a small right apical pneumothorax. Which of the following is the most appropriate disposition?

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Correct answer: B — Discharge with analgesia, return precautions, and timely follow-up if stable after observation

A small primary spontaneous pneumothorax in a stable patient can often be managed conservatively with observation and follow-up.

Reference: ACCP/BTS pneumothorax guidance; ABEM EM Model