Which procedure is used to treat a pneumothorax (PTX)?

Which procedure is used to treat a pneumothorax (PTX)?

• A. Cardioversion
• B. Intubation
• C. CPAP/BiPAP
• D. Chest Tube

Answer: (D)

Relieving air in the pleural space to let the lung re-expand is the key idea. A chest tube placement (thoracostomy) is used to drain the air from around the lung and re-inflate it, often with suction or an underwater seal to prevent air from leaking back in. This direct drainage addresses the root problem of a pneumothorax: air trapped outside the lung causing collapse. The other options don’t remove the air from the pleural space or address lung collapse. Cardioversion fixes heart rhythm, not lung collapse. Intubation secures the airway but doesn’t treat the collapsed lung. CPAP/BiPAP maintain positive airway pressure and can actually worsen an existing pneumothorax by pushing more air through the leak, so they’re not used to treat it. In many cases, a chest tube is the definitive treatment to allow the lung to re-expand.

Relieving air in the pleural space to let the lung re-expand is the key idea. A chest tube placement (thoracostomy) is used to drain the air from around the lung and re-inflate it, often with suction or an underwater seal to prevent air from leaking back in. This direct drainage addresses the root problem of a pneumothorax: air trapped outside the lung causing collapse. The other options don’t remove the air from the pleural space or address lung collapse. Cardioversion fixes heart rhythm, not lung collapse. Intubation secures the airway but doesn’t treat the collapsed lung. CPAP/BiPAP maintain positive airway pressure and can actually worsen an existing pneumothorax by pushing more air through the leak, so they’re not used to treat it. In many cases, a chest tube is the definitive treatment to allow the lung to re-expand.