A patient is admitted to the emergency department with left-sided chest trauma. Which statement best identifies why the formation of a tension pneumothorax can result in a life-threatening condition for this patient?

The uninjured lung will hyperinflate because of an increased respiratory rate.

Affected lung collapses as more air is exhaled through the traumatic injury.

Trapped air causes collapse of the lung and can reduce the cardiac output.

More CO2 is retained because weakened alveoli blebs rupture.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is C

A. While an increased respiratory rate may occur, it does not directly lead to hyperinflation of the uninjured lung due to tension pneumothorax.

B. In a tension pneumothorax, air enters the pleural space and does not exhale effectively; it is not about exhalation.

C. Trapped air in the pleural cavity increases pressure, collapsing the lung and pushing mediastinal structures (like the heart) to the opposite side, thereby reducing venous return and cardiac output.

D. Retained CO2 is not a direct cause of tension pneumothorax; the main issue is the pressure from trapped air affecting lung function and hemodynamics.

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Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A. Stable angina is characterized by chest pain or discomfort that occurs with physical exertion or stress and is relieved with rest or nitroglycerin.

B. Pulmonary embolus typically causes sudden shortness of breath, chest pain, and possible hemoptysis, but not a pattern that resolves with rest or cessation of activity.

C. Myocardial infarction (MI) typically causes prolonged chest pain that does not resolve quickly and is not relieved by rest.

D. Unstable angina is more severe than stable angina, occurring at rest or with minimal activity, and does not resolve quickly. It also increases in frequency and intensity over time.

A. activation of the clotting cascade after plaque rupture. B. the development of arteriogenesis, which is indicative of acute coronary syndromes. C. obstruction of a coronary vein and consequent death to the myocardium. D. infiltrations of high-density lipoproteins into the arterial wall, causing the artery to rupture.

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A. Plaque rupture in coronary artery disease can expose the underlying tissue, leading to activation of the clotting cascade and thrombus formation. This can cause sudden worsening of symptoms due to reduced or obstructed blood flow in the coronary artery.

B. Arteriogenesis refers to the development of collateral arteries over time, which is a slow, compensatory process rather than an acute event leading to worsening symptoms.

C. Coronary veins are not typically obstructed in CAD; instead, coronary arteries are affected, leading to reduced oxygen supply to the myocardium.

D. High-density lipoproteins (HDL) are known as "good cholesterol" and help clear arterial plaques, so they do not contribute to arterial rupture.

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A patient is admitted to the emergency department with left-sided chest trauma. Which statement best identifies why the formation of a tension pneumothorax can result in a life-threatening condition for this patient?

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