An adult male is tachycardic, hypotenive, and has cool, clammy skin. You note that lung sounds are absent on the left side of his chest. You should suspect

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Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The symptoms described, including tachycardia, hypotension, cool, clammy skin, and particularly the absence of lung sounds on one side, are indicative of a tension pneumothorax. This condition is a life-threatening emergency where air enters the pleural space and cannot escape, leading to increased intrathoracic pressure, collapse of the affected lung, and compromised cardiac output.

An Adult Male Is Tachycardic, Hypotenive, and Has Cool, Clammy