pneumothorax

Question 1

what is the cause of a spontaneous pneumothorax?

Answer 1

rupture of the subpleural bulla- particularly the apical, both lungs affected, may resolve itself

Question 2

which group of people in particular are affected by spontanoeus pnemothoracis?

Answer 2

• young tall men

- people with marfans

Question 3

what is the pathophysiology of a simple pneumothorax?

Answer 3

pressure in pleura usually normal, but is reversed, can be spontaneous or due to trauma

Question 4

what is the pathophysiology of a tension pnuemothorax?

Answer 4

medical emergency
- airway becomes one way valve only letting air in and not out
as a result pressure in lung increases causing mediastinal shift
inferior vena cava compressed so venous return to the heart reduced

Question 5

what are the symptoms of a pnuemothorax?

Answer 5

• sudden onset of breathlessness

- pleuritic chest pain

Question 6

what are the signs?

Answer 6

• tachy cardic
• absent breath sounds on effected side and hyperresonant
• reduced expansion
• tracheal deviation

Question 7

what is the treatment for a pneumothorax?

Answer 7

large bore cannula in 2nd IC MCL, with saline, allows air to escape
the chest drain, 4-6th IC, MCL