A 31-year-old motorcyclist arrives at a Sydney trauma centre, triage category 1, after a high-speed crash. BP 70/40, HR 136, SpO2 82% despite oxygen.

Question

A 31-year-old motorcyclist arrives at a Sydney trauma centre, triage category 1, after a high-speed crash. BP 70/40, HR 136, SpO2 82% despite oxygen. He has severe right chest trauma, absent right breath sounds, distended neck veins and tracheal deviation. What is the most likely diagnosis?

Accepted Answer

Tension pneumothorax

Answer

Flail chest without shock

Answer

Pulmonary contusion

Answer

Cardiac tamponade

Answer

Massive haemothorax

Tension pneumothorax after blunt trauma — ACEM Fellowship MCQ

A 31-year-old motorcyclist arrives at a Sydney trauma centre, triage category 1, after a high-speed crash. BP 70/40, HR 136, SpO2 82% despite oxygen. He has severe right chest trauma, absent right breath sounds, distended neck veins and tracheal deviation. What is the most likely diagnosis?