Which finding is most associated with tension pneumothorax?

Which finding is most associated with tension pneumothorax?

• A. Normal breath sounds
• B. Bilateral crackles
• C. Clear chest with wheeze
• D. Absent lung sounds

Answer: (D)

Tension pneumothorax involves air under pressure in the pleural space that collapses the affected lung and can shift mediastinal structures. This severely reduces ventilation on that side, so breath sounds are markedly diminished or completely absent. That’s why absent lung sounds is the most associated finding. Normal breath sounds would mean the lungs are still ventilating; bilateral crackles suggest fluid issues like edema; a clear chest with wheeze points to airway constriction rather than a collapsed lung from pressure.

Tension pneumothorax involves air under pressure in the pleural space that collapses the affected lung and can shift mediastinal structures. This severely reduces ventilation on that side, so breath sounds are markedly diminished or completely absent. That’s why absent lung sounds is the most associated finding. Normal breath sounds would mean the lungs are still ventilating; bilateral crackles suggest fluid issues like edema; a clear chest with wheeze points to airway constriction rather than a collapsed lung from pressure.