A 62-year-old male client was in a motor vehicle accident as an unrestrained driver. He’s now in the emergency department complaining of difficulty of breathing and chest pain. On auscultation of his lung field, no breath sounds are present in the upper lobe. This client may have which of the following conditions?
A. Bronchitis
B. Pneumonia
C. Pneumothorax
D. Tuberculosis (TB)
Correct Answer: C. Pneumothorax
Pneumothorax is defined as the presence of air or gas in the pleural cavity, which can impair oxygenation and/or ventilation.
Option A: Rhonchi is heard with bronchitis.
Option B: From the trauma the client experienced, it’s unlikely he has pneumonia. Pneumonia may produce crackling, bubbling, and rumbling sounds when inhaling upon auscultation.
Option D: Bronchial breath sounds with TB would be heard.