Florida State Paramedic Practice Exam

What is tracheal deviation typically considered in cases of tension pneumothorax?

1. An early sign

2. A rare sign

3. A late sign

4. A definitive sign

The correct answer is: A late sign

In the context of tension pneumothorax, tracheal deviation is typically viewed as a late sign of this life-threatening condition. When tension pneumothorax occurs, air becomes trapped in the pleural space, leading to increased pressure that pushes mediastinal structures, including the trachea, away from the affected side. However, the physical shift of the trachea is often not immediately noticeable and develops over time as the pressure continues to build and the condition worsens. The earlier indicators of tension pneumothorax include respiratory distress, decreased breath sounds on the affected side, distended neck veins, and hypotension. It is these earlier signs that prompt immediate evaluation and intervention. Tracheal deviation may become evident as a result of significant mediastinal shift, which occurs subsequently as the condition progresses. Therefore, recognizing tracheal deviation should signal urgency but often reflects a more advanced state of tension pneumothorax.