How should I differentiate between a tension pneumothorax and other causes of acute respiratory distress in a patient?

Differentiating between a tension pneumothorax and other causes of acute respiratory distress in a patient requires a prompt and thorough clinical assessment (Delluc and 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 ². The assessment and initial management protocols for major trauma specifically address the identification and management of such severe conditions ².

Acute respiratory distress itself can arise from a wide array of underlying pathologies, necessitating a comprehensive evaluation to determine the specific cause (Delluc and 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 ² (Delluc and L'Her, 2006).