Which sign would suggest a pneumothorax in a patient?

Chest asymmetry is a key clinical sign that suggests the presence of a pneumothorax. When a pneumothorax occurs, air enters the pleural space, leading to a collapse of part or all of the lung on the affected side. This can result in a noticeable difference in the size or movement of the chest during respiration, as one side may expand less than the other when the patient inhales. Observing such asymmetry can be an important diagnostic cue for healthcare providers when assessing patients suspected of having a pneumothorax.

In general, other signs and symptoms of pneumothorax might include sudden sharp chest pain and difficulty breathing, but chest asymmetry specifically highlights the physical changes that can occur due to lung collapse, making it a critical observation in the examination of patients with respiratory distress.