Pneumothorax is defined as which of the following?

Pneumothorax is defined as which of the following?

• A. Accumulation of air in the peritoneal cavity
• B. Accumulation of air in the nasal cavity
• C. Accumulation of air in the pleural space
• D. Accumulation of air in the mediastinum

Answer: (C)

Pneumothorax means air in the pleural space, the thin gap between the lung and the chest wall. This air disrupts the negative pressure that keeps the lung expanded, so the lung can partially or fully collapse, which is why it’s a serious finding in respiratory distress or trauma. The other options describe air in different spaces: the abdomen (pneumoperitoneum), the nasal passages, or the mediastinum (pneumomediastinum). Recognizing air in the pleural space helps guide prompt assessment and management, including oxygen and rapid transport, with extra caution for potential tension pneumothorax.

Pneumothorax means air in the pleural space, the thin gap between the lung and the chest wall. This air disrupts the negative pressure that keeps the lung expanded, so the lung can partially or fully collapse, which is why it’s a serious finding in respiratory distress or trauma. The other options describe air in different spaces: the abdomen (pneumoperitoneum), the nasal passages, or the mediastinum (pneumomediastinum). Recognizing air in the pleural space helps guide prompt assessment and management, including oxygen and rapid transport, with extra caution for potential tension pneumothorax.