Hemothorax

Question 1

Sx of Hemothorax

Answer 1

• Respiratory distress
• hypotension

Question 2

What is a hemothorax?

Answer 2

Intra pleural bleeding due to injury to chest wall, great vessels or lung

Question 3

Hemothorax is commonly secondary to what kind of injury?

Answer 3

Penetrating injury

Question 4

Physical exam findings in patients with hemothorax

Answer 4

• decreased breath sounds
• dullness to percussion on affected side
• flattened neck veins

Question 5

What is the mortality of patients with great vessel injury?

Answer 5

• 50% die immediately
• 25% live 5-10 minutes
• 25% live 30 minutes or longer

Question 6

How do you confirm a hemothorax?

Answer 6

CXR

Question 7

How much blood may show in a CXR in patients with hemothorax?

Answer 7

200-300ml

Question 8

What other study may evaluate for a hemothorax quickly at bedside?

Answer 8

Ultrasound

Question 9

How do you treat a hemothorax?

Answer 9

• ensure airway
• suction or intubate as needed
• tube thoracotomy with 36 or 40 French chest tube