Prescribing Safety Assessment (PSA) Practice Exam

What is the immediate treatment for a primary pneumothorax greater than 2cm?

1. Aspirate

2. Monitor only

3. Administer steroids

4. Chest drain

The correct answer is: Aspirate

The immediate treatment for a primary pneumothorax greater than 2cm is to insert a chest drain. This approach is necessary because a significant pneumothorax can cause respiratory distress and compromise the patient's oxygenation. In cases where the pneumothorax is larger than 2cm, monitoring alone is insufficient due to the risk of progression and potential complications, including tension pneumothorax. While aspiration may be considered for smaller pneumothoraxes or in certain specific scenarios, it is not the first-line treatment for a more extensive pneumothorax. Administering steroids is not indicated in the immediate management of pneumothorax and does not address the acute issue. Therefore, the primary aim of inserting a chest drain is to facilitate drainage of air from the pleural space, allowing the lung to re-expand and ensuring that the patient maintains adequate respiratory function.