Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Basic Certification Practice Exam

What are common signs and symptoms of a pneumothorax?

1. Increased lung sounds on one side

2. Respiratory distress and bubbling chest wound

3. High blood pressure and tracheal deviation

4. Consistent arrhythmias and chest pain

The correct answer is: Respiratory distress and bubbling chest wound

A typical presentation of a pneumothorax includes respiratory distress and the presence of a bubbling chest wound, especially if the pneumothorax is associated with an open injury to the chest. In this scenario, the bubbling indicates air entering and possibly escaping through the wound, while respiratory distress reflects the impaired ability of the lungs to function effectively due to the presence of air in the pleural space. This condition can result in decreased oxygenation and increased work of breathing, leading to the observed respiratory distress. While other options mention symptoms that could suggest different conditions, they do not specifically align with the classic signs of a pneumothorax. For example, increased lung sounds on one side would generally be inconsistent with a pneumothorax, which typically results in diminished or absent breath sounds. High blood pressure is not a common finding in pneumothorax; rather, hypotension may occur in severe cases due to cardiovascular compromise. Tracheal deviation might suggest a tension pneumothorax, but it's not a standard feature in a simple pneumothorax presentation. Lastly, consistent arrhythmias and chest pain can relate to various cardiac issues but are not definitive signs of a pneumothorax. Understanding these points helps in accurately identifying the condition and