A 22-Year-Old Man Comes to the Emergency Department Due to Sudden-Onset

question 302

Multiple Choice

A 22-year-old man comes to the emergency department due to sudden-onset dyspnea 2 hours ago while watching television.  The patient's dyspnea is gradually improving but he still has sharp right-sided chest pain that is worse with deep inspiration or cough.  His medical history is unremarkable.  The patient smokes 4-5 cigarettes daily and occasionally drinks alcohol.  Temperature is 36.7 C (98 F) , blood pressure is 140/80 mm Hg, pulse is 86/min, and respirations are 18/min.  Pulse oximetry shows 98% on room air.  He weighs 68 kg (150 lb) , is 188 cm (6 ft 2 in) tall, and has a BMI of 19.3 kg/m².  Physical examination is unremarkable.  Chest x-ray reveals a small right apical pneumothorax.  Which of the following is the most appropriate management of this patient?

• A)Chest tube placement
• B)CT scan of the chest
• C)Needle thoracostomy
• D)Supplemental oxygen
• E)Talc pleurodesis

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Hazardous Waste

Waste that poses substantial or potential threats to public health or the environment due to its toxicity, chemical reactivity, flammability, or other characteristics.

Residential Wells

Small-scale water extraction facilities located on private property used primarily to supply water to individual homes or small communities.

Aquatic Ecosystem

A water-based environment, including oceans, rivers, lakes, and wetlands, where plants and animals interact with the physical and chemical features.

Sewage, Sludge

The semi-solid by-product of the sewage treatment process, often treated and disposed of or sometimes used as a fertilizer after undergoing further processing.