QuestionSBA
QuestionChoice
Although asthma attacks could present with shortness of breath and respiratory distress, tracheal deviation would not be seen and is a characteristic of a pneumothorax.
10004842
b
Asthma attack
QuestionChoice
Lung cancer is usually seen in smokers and is accompanied by gradual, progressive systemic symptoms of weight loss and night sweats. Tracheal deviation is indicative of pneumothorax.
10004845
e
Lung cancer
QuestionChoice
A pneumothorax is defined as air within the pleural space. The question stem describes a classic presentation of a spontaneous pneumothorax, which is an emergency presentation.

Remember: tracheal deviation is a buzzword for pneumothorax!
10004841
a
Pneumothorax
QuestionChoice
Although a severe chest infection can present with respiratory distress and shortness of breath, tracheal deviation is indicative of pneumothorax.
10004844
d
Chest infection
QuestionChoice
Heart failure can present with shortness of breath. However, it is very unlikely to have a heart failure presentation in an otherwise fit and healthy 23-year-old. Tracheal deviation would not be seen in acute heart failure but would be seen in a pneumothorax.
10004843
c
Heart failure
Concept
Chapter
2693
3899
Pneumothorax
Topic
132
Respiratory
13515
A critically ill 23-year-old male is brought via ambulance to the emergency department. He is taking quick, shallow breaths and is clearly in respiratory distress. An A to E assessment is performed; it is found that he has a deviated trachea. He is normally fit and healthy, and this has not happened previously.

Which of the following is the most likely cause of this patient's acute presentation?
a