ATI RN PNEUMOTHORAX NURSING GUIDE 2026: HIGH-YIELD ASSESSMENT, EMERGENCY INTERVENTIONS, NGN-STYLE PRACTICE QUESTIONS & MUST-KNOW CLINICAL PEARLS TO ACE YOUR EXAM Question 1 Which physical examination finding is characteristic of pneumothorax due to the presence of air in the pleural space? o Hyperresonance on percussion over the affected area o Dullness on percussion over the affected area o Decreased tactile fremitus over the affected area o Increased breath sounds over the affected area Explanation >>>Hyperresonance on percussion indicates the presence of air in the pleural space, a hallmark finding in pneumothorax. 2. Question 2 Tracheal deviation is an early and common sign found in most cases of small pneumothorax. o True o False Explanation >>>Tracheal deviation is a critical sign of a tension pneumothorax, indicating a medical emergency, not common in small pneumothoraces. 3. Question 3What is the primary diagnostic tool used to confirm the presence of a pneumothorax? o Chest X-ray. Explanation >>>A chest X-ray is the definitive diagnostic tool for confirming a pneumothorax, showing air in the pleural space and a collapsed lung. 4. Question 4 Continuous bubbling in the water seal chamber of a chest tube system indicates an ______. o air leak Explanation >>>Observing continuous bubbling