Which of the following most accurately characterizes simple pneumothorax?
A) Untreated, it will lead to mediastinal shift and compression of the contralateral lung.
B) It is a problem of ventilation-perfusion mismatch.
C) It results from air entering the pleural cavity through a defect in the chest wall.
D) It results from the creation of a one-way valve that continues to allow air into, but not out of, the pleural cavity.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

A simple pneumothorax is characterized by a ventilation-perfusion mismatch due to the presence of air in the pleural space, which affects lung expansion and gas exchange. It does not typically cause a mediastinal shift (A) or involve a one-way valve mechanism (D), which are features of a tension pneumothorax. Option C describes an open pneumothorax.

Which of the Following Most Accurately Characterizes Simple Pneumothorax