tension pneumothorax

Question 1

what is a tension pneumothorax

Answer 1

life threatening variant of a pneumothorax

Question 2

what can a tension pneumothorax cause

Answer 2

cardiorespiratory compromise

Question 3

describe the clinical presentation in tension pneumothorax

Answer 3

presents as an unstable pneumothorax

severe pleuritic chest pain
hypotensive
tachycardic
tachypnoeic
shock
elevated JVP
tracheal deviation

Question 4

outline the management of a tension pneumothorax

Answer 4

needle aspiration until a chest drain can be inserted

emergency - needle decompression

Question 5

where would the cannula be inserted for needle decompression of a tension pneumothorax

Answer 5

2nd/ 3rd intercostal space mid clavicular line

Question 6

describe the pathophysiology of a tension pneumothorax

Answer 6

one way valve causes progressively increasing pressure in the pleural space

Question 7

what is the difference between a pneumothorax and a tension pneumothorax

Answer 7

pneumothorax - air in the pleural space

tension pneumothorax - a type of pneumothorax where the volume of air progressively increases

Question 8

when is a tension pneumothorax likely to occur

Answer 8

chest injury
underlying lung disease