In an infant with pneumothorax, which region is most commonly used for chest tube insertion?

• A. Anterior chest
• B. Lateral chest
• C. Posterior chest
• D. Inferior chest

Answer: (A)

In pneumothorax, air collects in the top (apical) part of the pleural space, so the tube should reach the apical pleural area to evacuate the air efficiently. In an infant who is typically supine, the anterior chest wall provides the most straightforward and quickest route to that upper pleural space. The landmarks are easier to feel on a small chest, and the approach minimizes risk to deeper structures while allowing the tube to be directed upward to aid lung re-expansion.

Other regions are harder to access quickly in a fragile, small patient and can increase the chance of injury to underlying organs or difficulty in draining the air. That combination of rapid access to the apical pleural space and safer, simpler placement makes the anterior chest the preferred site.