Question

A 35-year-old patient presents with sudden onset of pleuritic chest pain and dyspnea. Physical examination reveals hyperresonance on the affected side and absent breath sounds. Which immediate management step is recommended for a large primary spontaneous pneumothorax in a symptomatic patient?

Accepted Answer

Needle aspiration

Answer

Supplemental oxygen only

Answer

Immediate chest tube (intercostal) insertion

Answer

Antibiotic therapy

Answer

Bronchoscopy

Practice question

A 35-year-old patient presents with sudden onset of pleuritic chest pain and dyspnea. Physical examination reveals hyperresonance on the affected side and absent breath sounds. Which immediate management step is recommended for a large primary spontaneous pneumothorax in a symptomatic patient?