A 24-year-old man has sudden breathlessness and a hyperresonant right chest. He is 1.85 m tall with a pneumothorax rim of 3 cm and is moderately breathless. What is the usual management according to BTS guidance?
Answer and explanation
Correct answer: D. Needle aspiration, then a chest drain if this fails
- Step 1: A primary pneumothorax over 2 cm or with breathlessness needs intervention.
- Step 2: BTS advises aspiration as first-line for primary pneumothorax.
Answer
Needle aspiration, then a chest drain if this fails.
Why not the others: Immediate thoracotomy and pleurectomy: Surgery is for recurrence or failure. Observation without any intervention for the first month: Observation is for small asymptomatic pneumothoraces. Oral antibiotics and discharge: Antibiotics do not treat a pneumothorax.
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