24-year-old Man in Surgery — 24yo Man | Trauma Surgery | SMLE Q#12404

SMLE Question #12404

Surgery Trauma Surgery

Objective: OBJ-TRM-AIRWAY-01

Last updated: February 2026
A 24-year-old man is brought to the emergency department 30 minutes after being punched and kicked in the chest. He has severe right-sided chest pain and worsening shortness of breath. Examination shows respiratory distress, distended neck veins, tracheal deviation to the left, and absent breath sounds on the right. Heart sounds are normal. What is the most likely diagnosis?

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