Tension pneumothorax resident survival guide: Difference between revisions
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==Management== | ==Management== | ||
Shown below is an algorithm depicting the management of [[ | 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:''' | |||
❑ | |||
==References== | ==References== | ||
Revision as of 16:54, 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
- Blunt trauma
- Central venous catheter
- Mechanical ventilation
- Cardiopulmonary resuscitation
- Emphysema
- Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
Management
Shown below is an algorithm depicting the management of tension pneumothorax.
❑
Once the diagnosis of tension pneumothorax is confirmed, initiate the treatment:
❑
References
Characterize the symptoms: ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ | |||||||||||||||
Identify existing risk factors: ❑ | |||||||||||||||
Examine the patient: Vital signs Lungs | |||||||||||||||
Order tests: | |||||||||||||||