Question

While assessing a client with blunt trauma to the right rib cage, the nurse notes reduced breath sounds on the affected side and tracheal deviation toward the unaffected side. The nurse's findings suggest the presence of: A. Open pneumothorax B. Flail chest C. Tension pneumothorax D. Blood in the pleural space

Short answer

Answer: Tension pneumothorax

Step-by-step solution

Analyze the symptoms

The given symptoms are reduced breath sounds on the affected side, and tracheal deviation toward the unaffected side. These symptoms are associated with a problem in the patient's right rib cage following blunt trauma.

Rule out options based on their definitions

Now, we will go over each option and rule out those that do not align with the given symptoms: A. Open pneumothorax: It occurs when air from outside enters the pleural cavity through an external chest wound. This condition does not typically cause tracheal deviation but causes equal breath sounds on both sides. B. Flail chest: It is caused by multiple rib fractures. Flail chest usually presents with paradoxical chest movement during breathing and does not cause tracheal deviation. C. Tension pneumothorax: It occurs when air enters the pleural cavity but cannot exit, leading to a continuous build-up of pressure that pushes the lungs and trachea to the opposite side. This may cause tracheal deviation toward the unaffected side and reduced breath sounds on the affected side. D. Blood in the pleural space: Also called a hemothorax, it is characterized by the accumulation of blood in the pleural space and may cause reduced breath sounds but does not typically cause tracheal deviation.

Identify the correct answer

Based on the descriptions of the conditions provided in step 2, the correct answer is: C. Tension pneumothorax, as it presents with both reduced breath sounds on the affected side and tracheal deviation toward the unaffected side, which matches the given symptoms.