Adult Pneumothorax

Question 1

Adult Pneumothorax - Open pneumothorax tx?

Answer 1

Occlusive dressing (chest seal)

Question 2

Adult Pneumothorax - Closed pneumothorax without S/S of tension tx?

Answer 2

Monitor for S/S of tension pneumothorax

Question 3

Adult Pneumothorax - Closed pneumothorax with S/S of tension tx?

Answer 3

Perform needle decompression

Question 4

Adult Pneumothorax - S/S of tension pneumothorax in spontaneously breathing patient? (5)

Answer 4

Chest pain
Asymmetrical breath sounds / chest movement
Tachycardia
Hypoxia or increasing FiO2 requirement
Respiratory distress / tachypnea / dyspnea

Question 5

Adult Pneumothorax - S/S of tension pneumothorax in PPV patient? (6)

Answer 5

Asymmetrical breath sounds / chest movement
Subcutaneous emphysema
Tachycardia
Sudden onset of Hypotension / pulseless electrical activity (PEA)
Hypoxia or increasing FiO2 requirement
May also present with increased airway resistance

Question 6

Adult Pneumothorax - Needle decompression procedure?

Answer 6

insert 14 gauge (minimum of 6.5 cm) catheter in the 2nd intercostal space, over the 3rd rib, in the mid-clavicular line
Or
The 5th intercostal space in the anterior or mid-axillary line.

Question 7

Adult Pneumothorax - If performing bilateral decompression which side first?

Answer 7

Right to avoid heart and major organs