Question

A 23-year-old tall, slim man presents with sudden pleuritic chest pain and breathlessness. CXR shows a primary spontaneous pneumothorax with a 3 cm rim at the hilum and he is breathless. What is the best initial management?

Accepted Answer

Needle aspiration then chest drain if unsuccessful

Answer

High-flow oxygen and discharge

Answer

Immediate chest drain insertion without aspiration

Answer

Antibiotics and observation

Answer

CT chest then observe

Practice question

A 23-year-old tall, slim man presents with sudden pleuritic chest pain and breathlessness. CXR shows a primary spontaneous pneumothorax with a 3 cm rim at the hilum and he is breathless. What is the best initial management?