Pneumothorax

Question 1

define a pneumothorax

Answer 1

abnormal collection of air in the pleural space

Question 2

patient characteristics that make a pneumothorax is more common

Answer 2

• tall
• thin
• male
• cannabis use

Question 3

tension pneumothorax presentation

Answer 3

• mediastinal shift

- atelectasis (lung collapse)

Question 4

presentation of pneumothorax

Answer 4

• pleuritic chest pain (acute onset)
• SOB
• tachycardia
• hyperresonant percussion
• reduced chest expansion
• quiet breath sounds (Hamman’s sign)

Question 5

diagnosis of pneumothorax

Answer 5

• CXR (upright)

- CT

Question 6

management

Answer 6

needle decompression in MCL of the 2nd or 3rd MCL on the side of the pneumothorax