Thoracic Cavity: Clinical App Flashcards
Compare & Contrast Pectus Excavatum & Pectus Carinatum
Pectus Excavatum:
Sternal Depression in chest wall which (if severe) can put pressure on the heart/lungs and thus affecting cardiopulmonary function.
More common than Pectus Carinatum
Pectus Carinatum:
Outward prominence/Keeling of sternum which is generally a cosmetic issue but may be associated with some syndromes
Both:
More common in males & the definitive cause is unknown.
A foreign item swallowed by a child is likely to end up in which bronchi?
Why?
The foreign object is more likely to end up in the Right Primary bronchi.
This is because the R. Primary Bronchi has a slightly larger diameter than the left (also more straight relative to the trachea).
What is the purpose of Thoracentesis?
Where must it occur and why?
Thoracentesis is the process of inserting a needle into the pleural cavity to remove/relieve excessive fluid build up OR to remove a sample for analysis.
Specifically speaking, the needle should be inserted into the Costodiaphragmatic Recess which is where most fluid will accumulate. To do this, insert the needle on the superior border of the 10th Rib within an interspace to avoid damaging the intercostal n.
What occurs with Pneumothorax?
How is it caused & what are the symptoms?
Pneumothorax:
Entry of air into the pleural cavity as a result of trauma that pierces the pleural cavity. This results in a pressure change within the pleural cavity, causing the lung to collapse.
Symptoms:
Chest pain
Difficulty breathing/ Shortness of breath (Dyspnea)
What is Tension Pneumothorax?
How does it differ from normal Pneumothorax?
Tension Pneumothorax:
Type of pneumothorax which an injury creates a “one-way valve” via damaged tissue, allowing air to move in but not out as you breath. This causes air & pressure to build up in the pleural cavity eventually resulting in a midline shift.
Relative to the normal type, Tension Pneumothorax is a medical emergency and a chest tube must be inserted into the pleural cavity to relieve the pressure.
What is Pleuritis?
What are the symptoms?
How can it be quickly diagnosed?
Pleuritis (or Pleurisy):
Inflammation of the pleura, typically caused by an infection.
Symptoms:
Chest pains exacerbated w/ breathing
Shortness of breath
Quick diagnosis:
When auscultating breathing, healthy pleura are undetectable. Infected pleura, however, smooth surfaces become rough which causes friction and an audible sound when breathing.
What is a Pleural Effusion?
What are the symptoms?
How can it be quickly diagnosed?
Pleural Effusion:
The accumulation of fluid in the pleural space which can result from several conditions (heart failure, Pleuritis, etc.).
Symptoms:
Chest pain
Shortness of breath
Dry cough
Quick diagnosis:
Generally diagnosed with imaging
Treatment:
Thoracentesis may be used to remove fluid for analysis
