Tension pneumothorax occurs when air accumulates between the chest wall and the lung and increases pressure in the chest, reducing the amount of blood returned to the heart. Symptoms include chest pain, shortness of breath, rapid breathing, and a racing heart, followed by shock.
Additionally, how can you diagnose pneumothorax?
A pneumothorax is generally diagnosed using a chest X-ray. In some cases, a computerized tomography (CT) scan may be needed to provide more-detailed images. Ultrasound imaging also may be used to identify a pneumothorax.
Simply so, what are 3 signs and symptoms of a pneumothorax?
The symptoms of pneumothorax can vary from mild to life-threatening and may include:
- shortness of breath.
- chest pain, which may be more severe on one side of the chest.
- sharp pain when inhaling.
- pressure in the chest that gets worse over time.
- blue discoloration of the skin or lips.
- increased heart rate.
- rapid breathing.
What are the physical findings specific to each type of pneumothorax?
Tension pneumothorax: Variable findings; respiratory distress and chest pain; tachycardia; ipsilateral air entry on auscultation; breath sounds absent on affected hemithorax; trachea may deviate from affected side; thorax may be hyperresonant; jugular venous distention and/or abdominal distention may be present.
What are the signs and symptoms of a pneumothorax compared to a tension pneumothorax?
Clinical presentation of a pneumothorax can range anywhere from asymptomatic to chest pain and shortness of breath. A tension pneumothorax can cause severe hypotension (obstructive shock) and even death. An increase in central venous pressure can result in distended neck veins, hypotension.
What are the three types of pneumothorax?
They are:
- traumatic pneumothorax. This occurs when an injury to the chest (as from a car wreck or gun or knife wound) causes the lung to collapse.
- tension pneumothorax. This type can be fatal. …
- primary spontaneous pneumothorax. This happens when a small air bubble on the lung ruptures. …
- secondary spontaneous pneumothorax.
What is the pathophysiology of pneumothorax?
Pathophysiology of Pneumothorax
In pneumothorax, air enters the pleural space from outside the chest or from the lung itself via mediastinal tissue planes or direct pleural perforation. Intrapleural pressure increases, and lung volume decreases.
Which are the most common assessment findings associated with a pneumothorax?
Findings that suggest tension pneumothorax include unequal breath sounds (diminished or absent on the side of the pneumothorax), tracheal deviation (away from the side of the pneumothorax), distended neck veins, and/or signs of respiratory distress.
Which of the following should the nurse assess in a patient with pneumothorax?
The nurse should assess the following: Tracheal alignment. Expansion of the chest. Breath sounds.