Pneumothorax

Question 1

causes

Answer 1

1. spontaneous
2. asthma
3. copd
4. tb
5. pneumonia

Question 2

symptoms

Answer 2

1. none
2. sudden onset of dyspnoea ± pleuritic chest pain
3. deterioration of asthma or COPD

Question 3

signs

Answer 3

1. decreased expansion
2. hyper- resonant
3. tension pneumothorax (trachea deviated to affected side)

Question 4

investigations

Answer 4

CXR: absent lung markings peripherally, lung edge visible

Question 5

tension pneumothorax

Answer 5

1. torn pleura create one way valve that allows air in pleural cavity but not out
2. pneumothorax expands and lung collapses

Question 6

large pneumothorax management

Answer 6

1. thoracentesis
2. chest drain
   4th or 5th intercostal space mid-axillary line

Question 7

emergency large pneumothorax management

Answer 7

1. large gauge cannula into pleural cavity 2nd or 3rd intercostal mid-clavicular line of affected side