CAMRT Radiography Practice Exam

Which procedure is commonly performed to treat a pneumothorax?

1. Needle decompression

2. Chest tube insertion

3. Thoracotomy

4. PEG placement

The correct answer is: Chest tube insertion

Chest tube insertion is a commonly performed procedure to treat a pneumothorax, which is the presence of air in the pleural space. This condition can lead to lung collapse and necessitates intervention to relieve pressure and allow the lung to re-expand. During chest tube insertion, a sterile tube is placed into the pleural space through the chest wall. This allows for the continuous removal of air (or fluid) from the pleural cavity, helping to restore normal breathing mechanics and pressure balance within the thoracic cavity. The insertion is typically guided by imaging techniques to ensure accurate placement. While needle decompression can be performed in emergency situations for immediate relief of tension pneumothorax, it is generally a temporary solution. Thoracotomy is a more invasive surgical procedure used in more severe cases and isn't the first line of treatment for a regular pneumothorax. PEG (percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy) placement is unrelated to pneumothorax management, as it pertains to feeding tube placement for patients who cannot eat by mouth. Thus, chest tube insertion remains the most effective and commonly used procedure for treating a pneumothorax.