Pneumothorax Flashcards
Where does free air accumulate in a pneumothorax?
The pleural space
What two pleura affect the recoil of the lung and expanding of the chest wall?
Visceral and parietal pleura
What occurs as the lung collapses?
The alveoli are compressed and atelectasis ensues
In severe cases, what may happen to the great veins and heart?
The great veins may be compressed and cause venous return to the heart to diminish
What kind of lung disorder is a pneumothorax?
A restrictive lung disorder
What are the major pathologic and structural changes associated with a pneumothorax?
Lung collapse, atelectasis, chest wall expansion, compression of the great veins and decreased cardiac venous return
In what kind of pneumothorax does gas in the pleural space is not in direct contact with the atmosphere?
Closed pneumothorax
In what kind of pneumothorax does the pleural space come in direct contact with the atmosphere?
Open pneumothorax
In what kind of pneumothorax does the intrapleural pressure exceed the atmospheric pressure?
Tension pneumothorax
Which forms of pneumothorax are identified on the basis of origin?
Traumatic, Spontaneous and Iatrogenic pneumothorax
Which form of pneumothorax is caused by penetrating wounds to the chest wall?
Traumatic Pneumothorax
In which form of pneumothorax may a sucking chest wound occur?
Traumatic Pneumothorax; open pneumothorax
Which form of pneumothorax is an emergency situation?
Tension Pneumothorax
Which form of pneumothorax occurs suddenly and without any obvious underlying cause?
Spontaneous Pneumothorax
What are some underlying pathological processes that a spontaneous pneumo may occur?
Pneumonia, tuberculosis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
