Differentiating between a tension pneumothorax and other causes of acute respiratory distress in a patient requires a prompt and thorough clinical assessment Delluc & L'Her 2006.
A tension pneumothorax is a critical, life-threatening cause of acute respiratory distress, particularly relevant in patients who have experienced major trauma NICE NG39. The assessment and initial management protocols for major trauma specifically address the identification and management of such severe conditions NICE NG39.
Acute respiratory distress itself can arise from a wide array of underlying pathologies, necessitating a comprehensive evaluation to determine the specific cause Delluc & L'Her 2006.
Therefore, while specific clinical signs for differentiation are not detailed in the provided context, the overarching principle involves a rapid clinical assessment to distinguish a tension pneumothorax from other causes of acute respiratory distress, especially in a trauma setting NICE NG39 Delluc & L'Her 2006.