Trauma Nurse Core Course (TNCC) Practice Exam

Diminished breath sounds on the affected side and tracheal shift are key clinical indicators of a tension pneumothorax. In this condition, air becomes trapped in the pleural space and exerts increasing pressure that collapses the lung on the affected side. The diminished breath sounds are a result of the lung not being able to expand properly due to the pressure from the pneumothorax.

Additionally, as the pressure builds, it can push the mediastinum, which contains structures like the trachea, away from the affected side, leading to a tracheal shift that is observable upon physical examination. This combination of findings is critical for early recognition and intervention, as a tension pneumothorax can rapidly become life-threatening without appropriate management.

Other options may present with various symptoms, but they do not encapsulate the classic triad often associated with a tension pneumothorax as accurately as the correct answer does. Understanding these specific signs is vital for trauma nurses to assess and respond effectively to this acute condition.