Pneumothorax

Pneumothorax

·         ↓ BS, tachycardia & hypotension

·         ↓ chest expand on affected side

·         Air in pleural space

·         Depressed diaphragm (CXR)

·         Tracheal shift away from affected side

·         Greater space between ribs (CXR)

·         Hyperresonance on percussion

·         Subcutaneous emphysema

·         Area is black on chest X-ray

·         Absence of lung markings (CXR)

·         Air surround collapsed lung

·         ↓ static compliance, resistance stay the same

ü  If <20% observation

ü  100% O2

ü  If >20% simple aspiration large-bore needle at 2^nd intercostals space or

ü  Chest tube at  5-6^th intercostals space along anterior axillary line

ü  Not below 9^th intercostals space (liver, kidneys, etc…)