Open pneumothorax is described as

• A. Sucking chest wound allowing air entry
• B. Air in pleural space causing lung collapse
• C. Bleeding into the chest cavity
• D. Pneumoperitoneum

Answer: (A)

Open pneumothorax happens when a penetrating chest wound creates an opening between the atmosphere and the pleural space. With each breath, air is drawn through that wound into the chest, producing a noticeable sucking sound—this “sucking chest wound” is the defining feature. This external communication distinguishes it from other pneumothoraces that occur without an open wound. In contrast, air in the pleural space causing lung collapse describes a pneumothorax in general, not the specific open form. Bleeding into the chest cavity is a hemothorax, and pneumoperitoneum is air in the abdominal cavity.