During a neonatal assessment, what finding could indicate a potential pneumothorax?

The finding that indicates a potential pneumothorax is the decreased breath sounds on one side. A pneumothorax occurs when air enters the pleural space, leading to increased pressure and resulting in the collapse of the affected lung. As the lung collapses, the airflow is obstructed, which consequently reduces or eliminates breath sounds in that area when auscultating the chest.

In a clinical setting, upon examining a neonate with a suspected pneumothorax, the practitioner would specifically look for asymmetry in lung sounds. If breath sounds are significantly decreased or absent on one side, it strongly suggests that air in the pleural space is impairing lung function. This finding, along with the clinical picture and other vital signs, can help confirm the presence of a pneumothorax, which requires prompt management.

Other findings such as increased respiratory rate, high-pitched wheezing sounds, and diminished heart sounds, while indicative of other respiratory or cardiac issues, do not specifically point to a pneumothorax as clearly as diminished breath sounds on one side.