Spontaneous pneumothorax (young, sudden SOB)

HIGH-YIELD Appears 6×

Teaching point

Young + sudden pleuritic SOB + reduced breath sounds + hyperresonance -> spontaneous pneumothorax -> CONFIRM with erect CXR if stable. Small primary + minimal symptoms -> high-flow O2 + observe; large/symptomatic -> aspiration or chest drain. Tension (haemodynamic compromise) -> immediate needle decompression (NO imaging first).

🔒 This is premium content

Unlock the teaching point, every stem variant and the answer keys for all specialties with a subscription.