Category: Everyday Science | Last updated: 2026-09-18
Tension pneumothorax requires immediate:
A) CT scan
B) Needle decompression at the second intercostal space, midclavicular line, followed by chest tube
C) Observation
D) Antibiotics
Explanation
Tension PTX: medical emergency. Air trapped in pleural space → mediastinal shift → obstructive shock. Immediate needle decompression (2nd ICS MCL or 5th ICS MAL) → chest tube. Do NOT delay for imaging.