Which statement concerning massive hemothorax is true?

The statement that massive hemothorax should be suspected in situations with shock and unilateral absent breath sounds is accurate because the clinical presentation of massive hemothorax often includes signs of cardiovascular instability (shock) due to significant blood loss into the pleural cavity. In such cases, the accumulation of blood in the thoracic space can lead to mediastinal shift and compromise the respiratory function, resulting in absent breath sounds on the affected side.

The combination of shock and unilateral absent breath sounds is particularly telling; it indicates that the lung on the affected side is being compressed by blood accumulation, which can drastically limit airflow and contribute to hypoxia. This emphasis on shock and breath sounds is crucial for rapid diagnosis and intervention in trauma situations, enabling healthcare providers to act swiftly and typically leads to the necessity of emergency procedures like chest tube insertion or thoracotomy. Recognizing this clinical context allows for timely management of what can be a life-threatening condition.