A 30-year-old man sustains a road traffic accident and develops tension pneumothorax with BP 70/40 mmHg, HR 140/min, distended neck veins, and tracheal deviation. Which type of shock is this?

• A Hypovolaemic shock
• B Cardiogenic shock
• C Distributive shock
• D Obstructive shock ✓

Explanation

Tension pneumothorax causes obstructive shock by impairing venous return and cardiac output through mediastinal shift and increased intrathoracic pressure. Distended neck veins differentiate it from hypovolaemic shock where veins are collapsed. Immediate needle decompression is required without waiting for chest radiograph.

Reference: Bailey and Love's Short Practice of Surgery, 28th ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.