Pneumothorax

Question 1

What is the term for air in the pleural space?

Answer 1

Pneumothorax

Pneumothorax can lead to respiratory distress.

Question 2

What are common causes of pneumothorax?

Answer 2

• Rib fracture or flail chest
• Stab wound
• Gunshot wound

These causes can lead to the introduction of air into the pleural space.

Question 3

What is spontaneous pneumothorax?

Answer 3

A pneumothorax without an obvious cause, often due to a secondary ruptured bleb.

This type can occur in otherwise healthy individuals.

Question 4

What characterizes an open pneumothorax?

Answer 4

An opening in the pleural wall

This allows air to enter the pleural space directly from the atmosphere.

Question 5

What is tension pneumothorax?

Answer 5

A condition where pressure in the pleural space increases, leading to tracheal deviation and compression of the heart.

This can result in decreased cardiac output and heart failure.

Question 6

True or False: A tension pneumothorax can lead to heart failure.

Answer 6

True

The increased pressure can impair cardiac function.