Field Internship Student Data Acquisition Project. (FISDAP) Airway Practice Exam

What is a key symptom of pneumothorax?

1. Fever

2. Sudden chest pain

3. Chronic cough

4. Wheezing

The correct answer is: Sudden chest pain

A key symptom of pneumothorax is sudden chest pain. This condition occurs when air leaks into the pleural space, leading to a collapse of the lung. The pain typically arises suddenly and can be sharp or stabbing in nature. It may be accompanied by difficulty breathing, as the presence of air in the pleural space disrupts normal lung expansion. This symptom is often very distinctive and helps in the rapid identification of the condition. While other symptoms like fever, chronic cough, and wheezing may indicate different respiratory conditions or complications, they are not primary indicators of pneumothorax. For example, fever may suggest an infection, chronic cough could be associated with long-term lung disorders, and wheezing is commonly linked to conditions such as asthma or bronchospasm. Thus, the presence of sudden chest pain is the hallmark symptom that directs attention to pneumothorax.