Which of the following is NOT a sign of tension pneumothorax?

• A. Fever
• B. JVD
• C. Cyanosis
• D. Tracheal deviation

Answer: (A)

Tension pneumothorax produces rapid, life-threatening cardiopulmonary compromise from trapped air shifting the mediastinum and impeding venous return. The signs you look for reflect that acute pressure effect: neck vein distension from increased intrathoracic pressure, tracheal deviation away from the affected side due to mediastinal shift, and cyanosis from severe hypoxemia. Fever does not fit this acute physiology; it signals infection or inflammation rather than the immediate pressure mechanics of a tension pneumothorax. So fever isn’t a sign of this condition, whereas the other findings are.