11th January 2024

A 33-year-old gentleman attends the Emergency Department with sudden onset pleuritic chest pain that started 2 days ago.

A 33-year-old gentleman attends the Emergency Department with sudden onset pleuritic chest pain that started 2 days ago. It had not improved, so he decided to seek medical attention. He has no other symptoms associated and has no past medical history. He admits to social smoking around 5 cigarettes each weekend for the past 10 years but otherwise denies any illicit substance use. 

Investigations: 

Chest x-ray: 1.5cm right-sided pneumothorax. 

What is the most appropriate management strategy for this gentleman? 

Select the SINGLE most appropriate option from the list below. Select ONE option only.