Which of the following is a sign of tension pneumothorax?

• A. Chest pain
• B. Bradycardia
• C. Hyperglycemia
• D. Fever

Answer: (A)

Tension pneumothorax causes a rapid deterioration in both breathing and circulation because air trapped in the pleural space increases intrathoracic pressure, collapsing the lung and shifting the mediastinum. This pleural irritation and lung collapse often produce sudden chest discomfort, or chest pain, along with dyspnea. Chest pain fits the acute thoracic nature of the injury and reflects pleural involvement and the abrupt change in intrathoracic dynamics.

Bradycardia is not typical in this scenario; the body usually responds with tachycardia as it tries to compensate for reduced cardiac output. Fever and hyperglycemia are not immediate signs of tension pneumothorax—they point to infection or metabolic stress in other contexts, not this acute airway and circulatory emergency.