Procedure - Needle Decompression of Tension PTX Flashcards
Where does the needle go in a decompression in adults
It depends on who you ask:
- Most civilian hospitals say second intercostal space, mid clavicular line (roughly in line with the nipple)
- Military medicine usually says in the fifth intercostal space (roughly the level of the nipple) just anterior to the mid-axillary line
Use a needle that is ___ cm long.
8
Sometimes you can use 5 cm needles but generally it’s 8.
When you’re inserting the needle, listen for a _____________.
rush of air
Where does the needle go in a decompression in kids?
Second intercostal space, mid clavicular line (roughly in line with the nipple)
Remember that in children ________ needles are more likely to cause complications.
longer
Patient’s should be in what position prior to performing needle decompression?
Supine
What gauge needle is used for needle decompression?
10-16 gauge
Why should you not use an IV introducer needle to decompress a PTX?
Most IVs are not long enough to reach the thorax, particularly if the patient is larger
How far do you insert 8 cm needles?
To the hub
Be sure to hold the needle ________ to the chest wall.
perpendicular
That is, don’t angle it because you don’t want to aim it into the mediastinum or into the path of the subclavian vessels.
After you insert the needle, be sure to ___________.
remove the needle from the catheter
Don’t be like Gui and leave it in.
