Tension pneumothorax
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Tension pneumothorax
- Death occurs from hypoxic respiratory arrest (V-Q mismatch), not circulatory arrest
Diagnosis
- Diminished or absent breath sounds
- Hypotension or e/o hypoperfusion
- Distended neck veins
- May not occur if pt is hypovolemic
- Tracheal deviation
- Late sign
Treatment
- Immediate needle decompression if unstable
- 14ga IV in midclavicular line just above the rib at the second intercostal space
- Always followed by Chest Tube placement
See Also
Source
- Roberts and Hedges Clinical Procedures in Emergency Medicine
- Rosen's
- American College of Chest Physicians Consensus Statement