Which sign is associated with a tension pneumothorax?

A tension pneumothorax occurs when air becomes trapped in the pleural cavity and creates increased pressure, collapsing the affected lung and potentially shifting the mediastinum. One of the hallmark physical findings in this condition is decreased breath sounds on the side of the pneumothorax.

As the pressure builds, it hampers the normal movement of the lungs and reduces the airflow in and out of the affected lung, resulting in diminished or absent breath sounds during auscultation. This is critical in the assessment of a patient suspected of having a tension pneumothorax, as the presence of decreased breath sounds can prompt immediate intervention to relieve the pressure and restore normal respiratory function. Identifying this sign is essential for timely management, which can be life-saving.