Pneumothorax

Question 1

Pneumothorax pathophys

Answer 1

1. Seal of the pleural space in punctured
2. Air moves in from the outside
3. Pressure in pleural spce goes from -5 to 0, no longer negative pressure
4. Lung pull inwards and collapse and chest pulls outwards

Question 2

Impacts of pneumothorax

Answer 2

1. Reduction of Oxygen taken in by collapsed lung and build up of CO2

Question 3

Pneumothorax

Answer 3

air in the pleural space

Question 4

Spontaneous pneumothorax

Answer 4

1. Bullae form when alveoli develop a tiny leak and air enters lung tissue
2. Bullae - large air pocket forms on the surface on the lung
3. Bullae breaks and forms a large hole in the visceral pleura
4. Air enters directly in the pleural space

Question 5

Primary spontaneous pneumothorax

Answer 5

forms in the absence of any underlying condition

- thin, tall adolescent male who is holding breath and creating alot of internal pressure

Question 6

Secondary spontaneous pneumothorax

Answer 6

• Underlying condition

e.g. Marfan’s syndrome, Cystic fibrosis, Emphysema, Lung Cancer

Question 7

Traumatic pneumothorax

Answer 7

• Trauma such as gunshot or stab wound rips through parietal pleura
• Air is allowed to enter from the outside
• Air enters directly into pleural space

Question 8

Tension pneumothorax

Answer 8

• One way valve for air to flow into pleural space
• Air can enter but cannot leave
• Overtime air builds up and there is increase in pressure

Question 9

Symptoms of pneumothorax

Answer 9

1. Shortness of breath
2. Chest pain
3. Compresses the heart -> reducing cardiac output 4. lungs making them dyfunctional
4. Shift trachea - tracheal deviation (tension pneumo)

Question 10

Signs of pneumothorax

Answer 10

1. Ausculatation - reduced breath sounds

2. Percussion - hyper resonance

Question 11

Diagnosis

Answer 11

1. X-ray or CT

Question 12

Treatment

Answer 12

1. Needle/Chest tube to provide escape route for air