A patient is admitted to the emergency department with left-sided chest trauma. Which statement best identifies why the formation of a tension pneumothorax can result in a life-threatening condition for this patient?

The uninjured lung will hyperinflate because of an increased respiratory rate.

Affected lung collapses as more air is exhaled through the traumatic injury.

Trapped air causes collapse of the lung and can reduce the cardiac output.

More CO2 is retained because weakened alveoli blebs rupture.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is C

A. While an increased respiratory rate may occur, it does not directly lead to hyperinflation of the uninjured lung due to tension pneumothorax.

B. In a tension pneumothorax, air enters the pleural space and does not exhale effectively; it is not about exhalation.

C. Trapped air in the pleural cavity increases pressure, collapsing the lung and pushing mediastinal structures (like the heart) to the opposite side, thereby reducing venous return and cardiac output.

D. Retained CO2 is not a direct cause of tension pneumothorax; the main issue is the pressure from trapped air affecting lung function and hemodynamics.

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Correct Answer is D

Explanation

A. Atherosclerosis typically leads to vessel narrowing, but it does not specifically describe the formation of an aneurysm, which involves wall weakening and outpouching rather than just narrowing.

B. While a blood clot can be a complication of an AAA, it is not the primary cause of aneurysm formation. An AAA results from wall weakness rather than a clot.

C. Streptococcal bacteria are not related to the development of abdominal aortic aneurysms; aneurysms are associated with chronic conditions affecting the vascular wall, not bacterial infections.

D. Chronic hypertension contributes to the weakening of the arterial walls, leading to the formation of an aneurysm as the pressure causes the wall to bulge or outpouch. This correctly reflects the pathophysiology of AAA.

A. hypopolarization of sino-atrial node (SA node). B. increased heart rate from stimulation of the vagus nerve. C. heart rate of 40 beats/minute. D. heart rate of 150 beats/minute.

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A. Hypokalemia causes hyperpolarization, not hypopolarization, making it more difficult for cells to reach an action potential.

B. Hypokalemia does not stimulate the vagus nerve but can lead to arrhythmias.

C. While hypokalemia can cause arrhythmias, it usually leads to tachycardia or other irregular rhythms rather than a bradycardic rate of 40 beats per minute.

D. Low potassium levels can lead to tachycardia (e.g., a heart rate of 150 beats per minute) and other dangerous arrhythmias due to increased irritability of cardiac cells.

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A patient is admitted to the emergency department with left-sided chest trauma. Which statement best identifies why the formation of a tension pneumothorax can result in a life-threatening condition for this patient?

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