pneumothorax Flashcards
what is a pneumothorax?
air in pleural space
who does spontaneous pneumothorax typically occur in?
tall, thin men
who does secondary pneumothorax occur in?
in conjunction to patients with pre existing lung disease such as COPD, infection and cystic fibrosis
symptoms of pneumothorax?
sudden onset of chest pain and breathlessness
tension pneumothorax- may be shocked
how to treat tension pneumothorax?
14-16 gauge needle in second rib space mid clavicular line
investigations for pneumothorax?
- CXR is first line
- if chest abnormal on resolution request for CT scan
how to treat pneumothorax <2cm and mild symptoms?
- observation
- patients discharged and told to come back if symptoms get worse
how to treat patient who is symptomatic with pneumothorax >2?
-aspiration (DONT DO THIS ON TRAUMATIC PNEUMOTHORAX)
followed by CXR
how to treat patient if aspiration failed?
-intercostal drainage inserted in 4th intercostal space mid axillary line
how to treat pneumothorax with evidence of trauma?
-intercostal drainage inserted in 4th intercostal space mid axillary line
how to treat secondary pneumothorax <1cm?
-admit and give O2 for 24 hours
how to treat secondary pneumothorax 1-2cm?
-aspirate
one way to tell the difference between pneumothorax and tension pneumothorax from vital signs?
-tension pneumothorax causes hypotension
what does sudden deterioration with ventilation suggest?
-tension pneumothorax
how to treat secondary pneumothorax >2cm?
chest drainage insertion
