Tension Pneumothorax (Pleural/Pulmonary Disease)

Question 1

What is a tension pneumothorax?

Answer 1

Potentially life threatening pneumothorax in which air is being drawn into the pleural cavity with each breath, with no route of escape during expiration, due to air passing through a one way valve

Question 2

What can occur as a result of a tension pneumothorax?

Answer 2

• Shift of organs to contralateral side
• Compression of the great veins
• Cardiac arrest

Question 3

What are the symptoms of a tension pneumothorax?

Answer 3

SOB and pleuritic chest pain

Question 4

What are the respiratory signs of a tension pneumothorax?

Answer 4

Tracheal deviation to opposite side, reduced expansion, hyper resonant percussion and reduced air entry

Question 5

What are the general signs of a tension pneumothorax?

Answer 5

Tachycardia, hypotension, distended neck veins and raised JVP

Question 6

What is the first line management of a tension pneumothorax?

Answer 6

Aspiration

Question 7

What is the second line management of a tension pneumothorax?

Answer 7

Chest drain