Which of the following signs and symptoms indicates a tension pneumothorax as compared to an open pneumothorax?
A . Ventilation-perfusion (
B . /
C . ) mismatch
D . Hypoxemia and respiratory acidosis
E . Mediastinal tissue and organ shifting
F . Decreased tidal volume and tachypnea
Answer: C
Explanation:
(A, B, D) These occur in both tension pneumothorax and open pneumothorax.
(C) The tension pneumothorax acts like a one- way valve so that the pneumothorax increases with each breath. Eventually, it occupies enough space to shift mediastinal tissue toward the unaffected side away from the midline. Tracheal deviation, movement of point of maximum impulse, and decreased cardiac output willoccur. The other three options will occur in both types of pneumothorax.
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