This is a real-world medical entrance exam question, please give the true answer based on the question and selection. Topic name: None, Subject name: Medicine
Nurse Ruth assessing a patient for tracheal displacement should know that the trachea will deviate toward the 
Select and explain. 
A. Contralateral side in a simple pneumothorax, B. Affected side in a hemothorax, C. Affected side in a tension pneumothorax, D. Contralateral side in hemothorax
D: Contralateral side in hemothorax
Answer: D: Contralateral side in hemothorax 
Explanation: The trachea will shift according to the pressure gradients within the thoracic cavity. 
In tension pneumothorax and hemothorax, accumulation of air or fluid causes a shift away from the injured side. 
If there is no significant air or fluid accumulation, the trachea will not shift.
Tracheal deviation toward the contralateral side in simple pneumothorax is seen when the thoracic contents shift in response to the 
release of normal thoracic pressure gradients on the injured side.