TCRN Practice Exam 2026 – Complete Prep for Your Test

In the case of a patient with a small pneumothorax who is not experiencing any respiratory distress, clinical observation with supplemental oxygen is an appropriate management approach. This strategy is beneficial because many small pneumothoraces can resolve spontaneously without intervention, particularly when the patient is stable and asymptomatic.

Administering supplemental oxygen helps accelerate the absorption of the pneumothorax by enhancing the reabsorption of the air within the pleural space. This occurs due to the increased gradient created by oxygen, facilitating the process of nitrogen being reabsorbed faster than it would at normal atmospheric pressure.

Monitoring the patient clinically ensures that any changes in the condition can be promptly addressed if the situation evolves, while the stable status of the patient indicates that immediate invasive measures, such as needle decompression or chest tube placement, are unnecessary. This conservative management approach strikes a balance between safety and the need for intervention, prioritizing the patient’s well-being without subjecting them to unnecessary procedures.