PAEA Surgery End Of Rotation (EOR) Practice Exam

What is a common physical sign of pneumothorax?

1. Trachea deviated to the affected side

2. Increased breath sounds on the affected side

3. Trachea pushed to the opposite side

4. Decreased respiratory rate

The correct answer is: Trachea pushed to the opposite side

A common physical sign of pneumothorax is that the trachea is pushed to the opposite side of the affected lung. When a pneumothorax occurs, air enters the pleural space, leading to increased pressure in that area. This pressure can cause the mediastinum, which includes the trachea, to shift towards the side opposite the pneumothorax. This phenomenon is due to the fact that the negative pressure that normally keeps the lung inflated is compromised, causing the lung to collapse. Consequently, as the affected side loses volume due to the displacement of air, structures such as the trachea get pushed away from the area of the pneumothorax, resulting in a noticeable shift towards the side that is not affected. This clinical sign is important in diagnosing pneumothorax during a physical examination, particularly in acute settings. Other choices do not reflect the typical physical findings associated with a pneumothorax. For instance, a trachea deviated to the affected side would be more indicative of a tension pneumothorax, which is a more acute condition requiring immediate intervention. Increased breath sounds on the affected side would suggest lung pathology or consolidation rather than collapse, and a decreased respiratory rate does not