A 26-year-old male has summoned EMS after lifting a heavy box and suddenly experiencing shortness of breath and sharp pain to the left side of his chest that worsens with deep inspiration. Given this description, you immediately become suspicious of a pneumothorax. Which of the following should you perform next to help confirm this suspicion?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Auscultating breath sounds can help to confirm the suspicion of a pneumothorax by revealing decreased or absent breath sounds on the affected side. Inquiring about past lung problems may give some insight into the patient's history, but it would not confirm or rule out a present pneumothorax. Obtaining an SpO₂ reading would help assess oxygen saturation, but would not confirm or rule out a pneumothorax. Palpating the chest for subcutaneous emphysema may reveal crepitus, but this is not specific to pneumothorax and may be present in other conditions as well.

A 26-Year-Old Male Has Summoned EMS After Lifting a Heavy