Tension pneumothorax

Question 1

which ventilator setting is likely to cause tension pneumothorax?

Answer 1

PEEP

Question 2

What happens in tension pneumothorax?

Answer 2

pressure has built up into the pleural space and has collapsed the lung while pushing everything to the opposite side (mediastinal shift)

Question 3

S/S

Answer 3

SubQ air

• absence of breath sounds on the affected side
• assymetric thorax
• respiratory distress

Question 4

how can it become fatal?

Answer 4

increased chest pressure will push on vessels which will decrease the cardiac output

Question 5

what is the treatment?

Answer 5

a large bore needle is placed into the second intercostal space to allow the air to escape