Chest imaging: tension pneumothorax: practice question

A Radiology question in the style of the NEET PG paper. Answer it first, then read why the right option is right and why each of the others is wrong.

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Radiology · Chest imaging: tension pneumothorax

Sample item

A patient with severe dyspnoea and hypotension shows an opaque-black hemithorax with the mediastinum shifted to the opposite side and a flattened diaphragm. What is the first step?

Original practice item, not a recalled exam question. Nothing here is recorded.

The answer and the reasoning

A. Immediate needle decompression

These findings indicate tension pneumothorax, which is a clinical diagnosis requiring immediate needle decompression, followed by an intercostal drain. Imaging should not delay treatment. The mediastinum is pushed away from the affected side.

Option by option

  • A. Immediate needle decompression (correct)

    Correct. Tension pneumothorax needs immediate decompression.

  • B. Request bronchoscopy

    Bronchoscopy is not indicated.

  • C. Start diuretics

    Diuretics have no role.

  • D. Wait for CT thorax

    Delaying for CT risks cardiac arrest.

Source note: Original NextPrep sample item — pending expert review. This item is original practice material awaiting independent expert review, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.

More Radiology questions

Questions about this Radiology question

What is the answer to this Radiology question?

The best answer is A, Immediate needle decompression. These findings indicate tension pneumothorax, which is a clinical diagnosis requiring immediate needle decompression, followed by an intercostal drain.

Why is "Request bronchoscopy" not the answer?

Bronchoscopy is not indicated.

Why is "Start diuretics" not the answer?

Diuretics have no role.

Why is "Wait for CT thorax" not the answer?

Delaying for CT risks cardiac arrest.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Chest imaging: tension pneumothorax in Radiology. Imaging should not delay treatment. The mediastinum is pushed away from the affected side.

How hard is this question?

We tag it as an application question: it asks you to use a fact on a patient or a finding. The tag is our own editorial judgement, not an official difficulty rating, so read the reason for every option, not only the answer.

How should I study Chest imaging: tension pneumothorax?

Learn signs with the image, and the disease they point to. Then use the flashcards and the other Radiology questions on this site to test what stuck.

Is this a real NEET PG question?

No. It is an original practice item (editorial status: sample, version 1). NextPrep does not publish recalled or leaked questions, and independent faculty review of this item has not been completed yet, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.