Sudden Sharp Left-sided Chest in Medicine / Internal Medicine — Case | Respiratory / Pulmonology | SMLE Q#875
SMLE Question #875
Medicine / Internal Medicine
Respiratory / Pulmonology
Objective: OBJ-123
Last updated: February 2026
A 20-year-old previously healthy man presents with sudden sharp left-sided chest pain and mild dyspnea that began 2 hours ago at rest. He is alert and speaking full sentences. Examination shows slightly decreased breath sounds and hyperresonance over the left upper lung field. Chest X-ray shows a small apical left pneumothorax without mediastinal shift or significant lung collapse. What is the most appropriate next step in management?
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