Which of the following are signs of a pneumothorax?

Sudden chest pain and difficulty breathing are key signs of a pneumothorax, which is a medical condition characterized by the accumulation of air in the pleural space surrounding the lungs. This can lead to a collapse of the affected lung and results in sharp chest pain, which may worsen with breathing or coughing. Additionally, patients often experience difficulty breathing due to the reduced lung capacity and pressure on the surrounding structures. Recognizing these signs is critical in the field, as a pneumothorax can develop rapidly and may require immediate intervention to prevent serious complications.

Other options do not typically correlate with a pneumothorax. Fever and chills may indicate an infection or inflammatory process but are not characteristic of a pneumothorax. Abdominal cramps and nausea generally suggest gastrointestinal issues, while severe headaches and blurry vision are more likely associated with neurological problems or increased intracranial pressure, rather than issues within the thoracic cavity.