A pneumothorax is when air is present in the pleural space which results in a partial or complete collapse of a lung (Crimlisk, 2010). There are three classifications of a pneumothorax which include open, closed, and tension. An open pneumothorax occurs when an opening in the chest wall allows air to enter into the pleural space which occurs from chest traumas like stabbings and gun shots, or surgical thoracotomies (Crimlisk, 2010). A closed pneumothorax is when air accumulates in the pleural space without any external wounds, and is known as a spontaneous pneumothorax. This commonly occurs from ruptured blebs or bullae in the lung, most commonly seen in patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease. Other causes include injury to the
…show more content…
The increase in pressure causes the mediastinum to shift towards the opposite side. This in turn compresses the other lung, the right atrium, and the venous blood supply to the heart. This shift in organs and the mediastinum can seen in a chest x-ray (Kuhajda et al., 2014). The compromised blood flow reduces preload leading to decreased cardiac output. As vasoconstriction increases due to increased pulmonary vascular resistance hypoxia occurs and eventually respiratory acidosis and is monitored through arterial blood gases (Kuhajda et al., 2014). Upon examination patient appears to be in respiratory distress - gasping for air and tracheal deviation as the lung space has decreased and pressures continue to rise, neck vein distention due to altered cardiac output, cyanosis and agitation set in as time goes on due to hypoxia and the increasing difficulty to breath (Crimlisk, 2010). Palpation reveals subcutaneous emphysema as air is trapped within the tissues. Upon listening to the patients chest there is reduced air entry and percussion reveals hyperresonance (Kuhajda et al., 2014). Generally, air enters the pleural space which shifts the equilibrium causing pressure on the surrounding organs and decreases adequate perfusion and
The increase in pressure causes the mediastinum to shift towards the opposite side. This in turn compresses the other lung, the right atrium, and the venous blood supply to the heart. This shift in organs and the mediastinum can seen in a chest x-ray (Kuhajda et al., 2014). The compromised blood flow reduces preload leading to decreased cardiac output. As vasoconstriction increases due to increased pulmonary vascular resistance hypoxia occurs and eventually respiratory acidosis and is monitored through arterial blood gases (Kuhajda et al., 2014). Upon examination patient appears to be in respiratory distress - gasping for air and tracheal deviation as the lung space has decreased and pressures continue to rise, neck vein distention due to altered cardiac output, cyanosis and agitation set in as time goes on due to hypoxia and the increasing difficulty to breath (Crimlisk, 2010). Palpation reveals subcutaneous emphysema as air is trapped within the tissues. Upon listening to the patients chest there is reduced air entry and percussion reveals hyperresonance (Kuhajda et al., 2014). Generally, air enters the pleural space which shifts the equilibrium causing pressure on the surrounding organs and decreases adequate perfusion and