Question

A 45-year-old presents with sudden onset pleuritic chest pain and dyspnoea. A chest X-ray shows a spontaneous pneumothorax with a 2 cm rim of air. He is stable. According to BTS guidelines, what is the recommended initial management?

Accepted Answer

Needle aspiration

Answer

Immediate chest drain insertion

Answer

High-flow oxygen only

Answer

Discharge with outpatient follow-up

Answer

Urgent thoracotomy

Practice question

A 45-year-old presents with sudden onset pleuritic chest pain and dyspnoea. A chest X-ray shows a spontaneous pneumothorax with a 2 cm rim of air. He is stable. According to BTS guidelines, what is the recommended initial management?