NREMT Paramedic Practice

Which symptom is associated with an open pneumothorax?

1. Low blood pressure

2. Shortness of breath

3. Chest pain without breathing difficulty

4. Excessive coughing without sputum

The correct answer is: Shortness of breath

Shortness of breath is a key symptom associated with an open pneumothorax, which occurs when air enters the pleural space through an open wound in the chest wall. This influx of air disrupts the normal negative pressure of the pleural space, causing lung collapse and leading to difficulty in breathing. As the lung cannot adequately expand due to the interruption of normal lung function, patients will typically experience acute shortness of breath, often accompanied by a feeling of suffocation or distress. The other symptoms listed may not be as directly associated with an open pneumothorax. While low blood pressure can occur due to various reasons, it isn't a hallmark symptom of this specific condition. Chest pain may be present, but without breathing difficulty, it might suggest a different issue that isn’t directly related to an open pneumothorax. Excessive coughing without sputum could signal different respiratory issues or irritation but is not a primary symptom of an open pneumothorax. The presence of shortness of breath, therefore, stands out as a central indicator of this serious injury.