Pneumothorax Flashcards
1
Q
define a pneumothorax
A
abnormal collection of air in the pleural space
2
Q
patient characteristics that make a pneumothorax is more common
A
- tall
- thin
- male
- cannabis use
3
Q
tension pneumothorax presentation
A
- mediastinal shift
- atelectasis (lung collapse)
4
Q
presentation of pneumothorax
A
- pleuritic chest pain (acute onset)
- SOB
- tachycardia
- hyperresonant percussion
- reduced chest expansion
- quiet breath sounds (Hamman’s sign)
5
Q
diagnosis of pneumothorax
A
- CXR (upright)
- CT
6
Q
management
A
needle decompression in MCL of the 2nd or 3rd MCL on the side of the pneumothorax
