Prescribing Safety Assessment (PSA) Practice Exam

When should a chest drain be considered for pneumothorax management?

1. If there is any sign of respiratory distress

2. If it exceeds 2cm and the patient is over 50 years

3. Only if the pneumothorax is chronic

4. Only in cases of severe pain

The correct answer is: If it exceeds 2cm and the patient is over 50 years

A chest drain is typically considered for the management of a pneumothorax when the size of the pneumothorax is significant enough to warrant intervention and when specific patient factors are taken into account. In this case, option B indicates that a chest drain should be considered if the pneumothorax measures more than 2cm and the patient is over 50 years old. This criterion is essential because larger pneumothoraces pose a greater risk of respiratory compromise, especially in older patients who may have reduced physiological reserve. The 2cm threshold is an important differentiator in clinical practice; pneumothoraces smaller than this may be monitored and managed conservatively, while those larger, particularly in susceptible populations, may necessitate more invasive management to prevent complications such as respiratory failure. By considering both the size of the pneumothorax and the age of the patient, healthcare providers can make more informed decisions about whether a chest drain is necessary to facilitate lung re-expansion and alleviate symptoms.