Pneumothorax may present with which of the following findings?

• A. Clear lung sounds with rhonchi
• B. Jaundice
• C. Diminished or absent lung sounds
• D. Elevated blood pressure only

Answer: (C)

In pneumothorax air enters the space between the chest wall and the lung, causing the affected lung to collapse and ventilate poorly. The most telling finding is diminished or absent breath sounds over the side of the injury, reflecting the lack of air movement in that part of the lung. This direct sign of lung collapse is why it’s the best clue in the exam scenario. You might also hear a hyperresonant sound when tapping the chest and notice reduced chest movement on the affected side, with the patient often tachypneic and short of breath.

Jaundice has no relation to a pneumothorax, and elevated blood pressure by itself isn’t a typical sign (a tension pneumothorax can cause shock from decreased return to the heart, leading to low blood pressure rather than high). Clear lungs with rhonchi suggests airway secretions or other lung conditions, not a pneumothorax.