North Carolina EMT State Practice Exam

What is a common symptom of spontaneous simple pneumothorax?

1. Sudden onset of chest pain

2. Gradual increase in breath sounds

3. Sudden onset of shortness of breath

4. Consistent coughing

The correct answer is: Sudden onset of shortness of breath

A common symptom of spontaneous simple pneumothorax is sudden onset of shortness of breath. This occurs because as air enters the pleural space due to a tear in the lung tissue, it can cause the lung on the affected side to collapse partially or fully. This collapse leads to decreased lung volume and reduced ability to oxygenate the blood, resulting in a feeling of breathlessness. Patients may also experience sudden chest pain, which can accompany the shortness of breath, but the key symptom that signals a significant change in respiratory status due to the pneumothorax is that acute shortness of breath. This symptom is a direct indicator of how the condition is impacting the respiratory system. The other options reflect symptoms that may not typically align with the immediate presentation of a simple pneumothorax, making the sudden onset of shortness of breath the most characteristic symptom to note.