During needle decompression, the entry point is the second intercostal space at the midclavicular line. Which rib is directly beneath this entry point?

• A. Third rib
• B. Fourth rib
• C. Second rib
• D. Fifth rib

Answer: (A)

This entry point sits in the second intercostal space along the midclavicular line, which is the gap between the second and third ribs. Therefore, the rib directly beneath the site is the third rib. In practice, you insert the needle just above the superior border of that lower rib to avoid the intercostal vessels that run along the inferior border of each rib. The second rib lies above the space, while the fourth and higher ribs lie further down, so they aren’t the ribs directly under this entry point.