Which of the following is NOT a symptom of tension pneumothorax?

In the case of tension pneumothorax, it is critical to understand the physiological changes that occur due to the accumulation of air in the pleural space, which can lead to compromised respiratory and cardiovascular function. Sudden chest pain, shortness of breath, and diminished breath sounds are all characteristic symptoms associated with this condition.

Sudden chest pain typically arises from the lung collapsing or from irritation of the pleura. The abrupt onset of symptoms is a hallmark of tension pneumothorax. Shortness of breath occurs as the lung on the affected side becomes increasingly compressed, leading to difficulty in ventilating that lung and reduced oxygenation.

Diminished breath sounds can be auscultated over the affected area, as the presence of air in the pleural space obstructs normal lung sounds.

In contrast, a decreased heart rate is not typically associated with tension pneumothorax. Instead, the condition often leads to an increased heart rate due to compensatory mechanisms like increased sympathetic stimulation in response to hypoxia and reduced venous return. Therefore, the mention of a decreased heart rate signifies a misunderstanding of the typical response to this life-threatening condition, as the body generally responds with tachycardia rather than bradycardia when faced with the