Which of the following describes signs of a simple pneumothorax?

• A. Continuous air leak with worsening distress
• B. One time leakage from the lungs, partially collapses lung, varying degrees of respiratory distress, normally improves with time as air is reabsorbed
• C. No symptoms
• D. Severe hypotension

Answer: (B)

Simple pneumothorax shows air entering the pleural space in a limited, one-time way, causing only a partial collapse of the lung. Because the leak isn’t ongoing and the lung isn’t being crushed, the distress can vary and is often mild to moderate. Over time the trapped air is gradually reabsorbed by the body, so symptoms tend to improve as this happens, especially with supplemental oxygen. This contrasts with a continuous air leak, which would imply ongoing pressure that can worsen distress or lead to a tension state; no symptoms would be unusual for a pneumothorax, and severe hypotension points to a life-threatening tension or massive pneumothorax rather than a simple one.