Emergency Relief for Tension Pneumothorax

Tension pneumothorax is a life-threatening emergency that can build pressure around the lung. It can happen after chest trauma or from a spontaneous air leak from the lung. As air collects in the pleural space, the lung separates from the chest wall and normal breathing is disrupted.

When the tra...

1. Assessment of the patient

1. Place the patient on a monitor and review for tachycardia, tachypnea, hypoxia or hypotension.
2. Perform general inspection, observing patients for tachypnea, shallow respirations, and inability to speak full sentences. Note tracheal deviation, distension of neck veins, or cyan...