PNEUMOTHORAX Flashcards
1
Q
Define pneumothorax.
A
Abnormal collection of air in the pleural space.
2
Q
What are the causes of a spontaneous pneumothorax?
A
Rupture of sub-pleural bulla Asthma COPD - emphysema TB Pneumonia Lung abscess Carcinoma Cystic fibrosis Lung fibrosis Sarcoidosis Marfan's syndrome Ehlers-Danlos syndrome Mechanically ventilated patients
3
Q
How might someone with a suspected pneumothorax present? (Name 3 symptoms)
A
Sudden onset dyspnoea Pleuritic chest pain Sudden deterioration in asthma or COPD patients Trauma (such as a stab wound) Hypotension Raised JVP
4
Q
On examination, what might you find in someone with a suspected pneumothorax?
A
Reduced expansion Hyper-resonance to percussion Diminished breath sounds Tracheal deviation Tachycardia
5
Q
What is the management protocol for someone with a suspected tension pneumothorax?
A
Insert large bore (14-16G) needle with syringe, partially filled with 0.9% saline, into 2nd intercostal space in midclavicular line on the side of the suspected pneumothorax.
DO NOT DO CHEST X RAY UNTIL ASPIRATED
Then insert chest drain into 5th intercostal space, mid axillary line.
