AEMCA Practice Exam

Which symptom is commonly associated with a simple (closed) pneumothorax?

1. Severe abdominal pain

2. Absent breath sounds on the affected side

3. Fever and sweating

4. Persistent headaches

The correct answer is: Absent breath sounds on the affected side

A simple (closed) pneumothorax occurs when air enters the pleural space but does not result from a penetration or rupture of the chest wall, meaning that the lung is still intact. One of the hallmark symptoms of this condition is the presence of absent or diminished breath sounds on the affected side when examined with a stethoscope. This occurs because the accumulation of air in the pleural space disrupts the normal mechanics of breathing, leading to reduced air movement in the lung on that side. The other symptoms listed are more commonly associated with different medical conditions. Severe abdominal pain is typically linked to gastrointestinal issues or intra-abdominal problems, while fever and sweating can indicate an infection or systemic illness rather than a pneumothorax. Persistent headaches are generally unrelated to respiratory problems like a pneumothorax and may suggest other neurological or systemic issues. Thus, absent breath sounds on the affected side is a key clinical sign that helps in diagnosing a simple pneumothorax effectively.