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Tension Pneumothorax-
Defined:
A tension pneumothorax occurs secondary to blunt or penetrating injury of the lung which results in a one-way valve being created. Air leaks from the lung out into the pleural space and is unable to escape, resulting in increased intrapleural pressure. Intrapleural pressure eventually increases to the point where it interferes with venous return, resulting in blood pooling in capacitance vessels with ensuing cardiovascular collapse and shock.
Causes:
Blunt chest trauma, penetrating chest injuries, thoracentesis, central venous catheter insertion
Signs and Symptoms:
- · anxiety
- · diaphoresis, pallor
- · diminished or absent breath sounds
- · Hypotension
- · tachycardia
- · decreased chest expansion unilaterally
- · dyspnea, tachypnea, subcutaneous emphysema
- · sharp pain that increases with exertion
Treatment:
Oxygen therapy
chest tube
thoracentesis
incentive spirometer
Thrombosis Coronary/Pulmonary
