Which of the following is not one of the three general types of lung overexpansion injuries?

• A. air embolism
• B. pneumothorax
• C. tissue emphysema
• D. sinus squeeze

Answer: (D)

Lung overexpansion injuries occur when air within the lungs expands during ascent and causes damage to nearby structures. The three general outcomes are air embolism (air entering the bloodstream from ruptured lung tissue), pneumothorax (air leaking into the pleural space and collapsing part of the lung), and tissue emphysema (air leaking into the surrounding tissues, such as under the skin or in the mediastinum).

Sinus squeeze is a pressure-related injury of the sinuses, not a lung-related overexpansion injury, because it involves the facial sinuses rather than the lungs or chest. That’s why it isn’t one of the three main lung overexpansion injuries.