Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Intermediate Practice Exam

Which condition could potentially cause a tension pneumothorax?

1. Rib fracture

2. Cardiac arrest

3. Pulmonary embolism

4. Pneumonia

The correct answer is: Rib fracture

A rib fracture can potentially lead to a tension pneumothorax because it can result in a breach of the pleural space, allowing air to enter and accumulate in the thoracic cavity. If a fractured rib punctures the lung or the pleura, it may create a one-way valve effect where air enters the pleural space during inhalation but cannot escape during exhalation. This accumulation of air increases intrathoracic pressure, leading to the collapse of the lung on the affected side and possibly compressing the heart and major vessels, thereby causing respiratory distress and cardiovascular compromise. Other conditions such as cardiac arrest, pulmonary embolism, and pneumonia do not directly result in tension pneumothorax. Cardiac arrest does not cause a structural problem that allows for air accumulation, while a pulmonary embolism primarily involves obstruction of blood flow, and pneumonia is an infection that typically causes consolidation of lung tissue rather than a buildup of air in the pleural space. Thus, a rib fracture is the most relevant choice for the development of tension pneumothorax.