Which adjunct therapy is used in pneumothorax management?

• A. Small-bore catheter
• B. Chest tube attached to water seal
• C. Oxygen
• D. Tube thoracostomy

Answer: (C)

Supplemental oxygen is used as an adjunct in pneumothorax because it speeds the reabsorption of air from the pleural space. The air trapped in the pleural cavity is mainly nitrogen. Providing high concentrations of O2 lowers the alveolar and blood nitrogen partial pressures, creating a diffusion gradient that pushes nitrogen from the pleural space into the blood to be exhaled. This accelerates resolution of the pneumothorax, especially in small, stable cases. Oxygen also helps improve overall oxygenation if there’s any hypoxemia. For large or unstable pneumothoraces, definitive treatment with drainage (like a chest tube) is needed, but oxygen serves as a helpful adjunct to hasten recovery.