QuestionSBA
QuestionChoice
A chest drain is indicated in a pneumothorax if it is a tension pneumothorax which has already been treated with needle decompression, if it is a primary pneumothorax which has not resolved with aspiration, or if it is a secondary pneumothorax >2cm/the patient is breathless.
10001255
e
Chest drain
QuestionChoice
This would be appropriate in a secondary pneumothorax 1-2cm in size, however, this patient has no underlying lung disease so does not meet the criteria for a secondary pneumothorax.
10001254
d
High flow oxygen
QuestionChoice
This is a primary pneumothorax which is >2cm, therefore the patient requires aspiration in the second intercostal space mid-clavicular line.
10001251
a
Aspiration
QuestionChoice
This would be appropriate if the primary pneumothorax was <2cm and the patient was not breathless.
10001253
c
Discharge and follow up in 2 weeks
QuestionChoice
This is the treatment for a tension pneumothorax which would be indicated by tracheal deviation, hypotension and tachycardia.
10001252
b
Needle decompression
Concept
Chapter
2693
3899
Pneumothorax
Topic
132
Respiratory
12797
A 23-year-old male presents in the Emergency Department with sudden onset chest pain and shortness of breath. His vital signs are normal and he has no significant past medical history.

On auscultation, there are absent breath sounds and increased vocal resonance over the right lung, and the trachea is central. A chest X-ray shows a 3cm right-sided pneumothorax.

Which of the following is the best management option for this patient?
a