Acute Chest Trauma Flashcards
What is a Thoracotomy
Surgical opening of the chest Extensive incision (anterior- lateral- posterior approach)
Lobectomy
Removal of a lobe of the lung
Pneumonectomy
Removal of entire lung
What is a life threatening complication of pneumonectomy
Mediastinal shift d/t accumulation of fluid in the empty hemithorax
Segmental Resection
Lung segment is removed
Wedge Resections
Removal of a small portion of a lobe
How do you position a patient after a Pneumonectomy
on operative side to facilitate expansion of non operative lung.
Which surgeries require a X tube and which do not?
Lobectomy (2 xtubes)
Segmental and Wedge resection ( 1 xtube)
Pneumonectomy NO x-tube
What is Decortication of the lung
Decortication is a surgical procedure that removes a restrictive layer of fibrous tissue overlying the lung, chest wall, and diaphragm. The aim of decortication is to remove this layer and allow the lung to reexpand. (Emphysema pts)
Closed Pneumothorax
Chest wall is intact (Penetration of a fractured rib)
Rupture of a lung and visceral pleural allows air into the pleural space
Open Pneumothorax
Opening in the chest wall (Stab, gunshot wound)
Allows air to enter and exit the pleural space during expiration
Characteristics of a flail chest
Paradoxical chest movement of the chest wall
Pulled inward on inspiration and pushed outward with expiration
Tension Pneumothorax
“one way valve” air leak occurs either from the lung or through the chest wall.
Air is forced into the thoracic cavity with means of escape. Air becomes trapped and lung collapses
Hemothorax
Accumulation of blood in the chest cavity
S/S of a Pneumothorax
Chest pain Air hunger Respiratory distress Tachycardia Hypotension Tracheal deviation Neck vein distention Cyanosis = late sign
