Pneumothorax Flashcards
1
Q
What is a pneumothorax?
A
The lungs are surrounded by the pleural membrane (parietal pleura & visceral pleura). The pleural space lies in between. Pneumothorax is air in the pleural space.
2
Q
Types of pneumothorax
A
Spontaneous (no obvious cause) or traumatic (rib fracture, stabbing, gunshot).
Open - air enters the pleural space from outside (eg following stabbing).
Tension - compression of the contralateral lung.
3
Q
Management of a pneumothorax
A
No signs of cardiovascular compromise? - Monitor en route to hospital
O2 if required
If open - cover with chest seal and monitor
Signs of tension - needle decompression
4
Q
Signs and symptoms of a tension pneumothorax
A
Pleuritic chest pain Air hunger Respiratory distress ^RR ^HR Falling sats Tracheal deviation Decreased breath sounds on affected side
