Tension pneumothorax requires immediate:

A CT scan

B Needle decompression at the second intercostal space, midclavicular line, followed by chest tube

C Observation

D Antibiotics

✓ Correct Answer: Option B

Tension PTX: medical emergency. Air trapped in pleural space → mediastinal shift → obstructive shock. Immediate needle decompression (2nd ICS MCL or 5th ICS MAL) → chest tube. Do NOT delay for imaging.

💡 Why is B) the correct answer?

The correct answer to the question "Tension pneumothorax requires immediate:" is Option B: Needle decompression at the second intercostal space, midclavicular line, followed by chest tube.

The other options — A) CT scan, C) Observation, D) Antibiotics — are incorrect for this USMLE Exam Prep question. As explained above: Tension PTX: medical emergency. Air trapped in pleural space → mediastinal shift → obstructive shock. Immediate needle decompression (2nd ICS MCL or 5th ICS MAL) → chest tube. Do NOT delay for imagin…

📚 About This USMLE Exam Prep Practice Question

This 3-level USMLE Exam Prep question from the Step 2 CK - Clinical Knowledge topic is part of BrainForge Quiz's free exam preparation library. Each question includes the correct answer and a detailed explanation to help you understand the underlying concept, not just memorize the answer.

How to use this page: Read the question above, consider all four options (A through D), then check the highlighted correct answer and explanation. For active timed practice, start a free USMLE Exam Prep practice test or use flashcards for spaced repetition review.

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Tension pneumothorax requires immediate:

✓ Correct Answer: Option B

📚 About This USMLE Exam Prep Practice Question

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