Tension pneumothorax resident survival guide: Difference between revisions

Revision as of 16:59, 10 March 2014

Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]

Definition

Tension pneumothorax is a medical emergency caused by accumulation of air in the pleural cavity. Air enter the intrapleural space through the lung parenchyma, or through a traumatic communication from the chest wall.

Causes

Life Threatening Causes

Life-threatening causes include conditions which may result in death or permanent disability within 24 hours if left untreated. Tension pneumothorax is a life-threatening condition and must be treated as such irrespective of the causes.

Common Causes

Management

Shown below is an algorithm depicting the management of tension pneumothorax.

References

Template:WikiDoc Sources

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 ==Management==
 Shown below is an algorithm depicting the management of [[tension pneumothorax]].
-{{familytree/start |summary=Diagnostic approach}}
-{{familytree | A01 | | | | |A01= <div style="float: Left; text-align: left; width: 40em; padding:1em;">'''Characterize the symptoms:'''<br>
-❑
-❑</div>}}
-{{familytree | |!| | | | | |}}
-{{familytree | B01 | | | | B01= <div style="float: left; text-align: left; width: 40em; padding:1em;">'''Identify existing risk factors:'''<BR>
-❑ </div>}}
-{{familytree | |!| | | | | }}
-{{familytree | C01 | | | | |C01= <div style="float: left; text-align: left; width: 40em; padding:1em;">'''Examine the patient:'''<BR>
-'''Vital signs'''<BR>
-❑ <BR>
-'''Lungs'''<BR>
-❑ </div>}}
-{{familytree | |!| | | | | |}}
-{{familytree | E01 | | | | |E01= <div style="float: left; text-align: left; width: 40em; padding:1em;">'''Order tests:'''<BR>
-{{familytree | |!| | | | | |}}
-❑ <BR>
-❑ </div>}}
-{{familytree | G01 | | | | | G01=<div style="float: left; text-align: left; width: 40em; padding:1em;">'''Once the diagnosis of tension pneumothorax is confirmed, initiate the treatment:'''
-❑ </div>}}
-|}
-|}
 ==References==