Which of the following is a sign of tension pneumothorax?

• A. Respiratory distress
• B. Prolonged bleeding from a wound
• C. Skin rash
• D. Nausea

Answer: (A)

Tension pneumothorax rapidly disrupts ventilation because air builds up under pressure in the pleural space, compressing the affected lung and shifting mediastinal structures. That immediate impact is difficulty breathing, so respiratory distress is the most telling sign in the field. The patient often becomes visibly short of breath, tachypneic, and uses extra muscles to breathe as gas exchange worsens. The other options don’t fit this scenario: prolonged bleeding from a wound signals hemorrhage, a skin rash isn’t related to chest air pressure problems, and nausea isn't a hallmark sign of a tension pneumothorax. If the condition worsens, you might also see signs like rapid drop in blood pressure or neck vein distension, but the breathing effort is the earliest and most direct clue.