Tension pneumothorax

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Tension pneumothorax


  • One way valve
  • Mediastinal shift→ compression of great vessels
  • DO NOT diagnose on basis of X-ray
  • Hyperresonant on percussion
  • Absent breath sounds
  • Deviation of trachea

Treatment

  • Wide bore needle - 2nd ICS in mid-clavicular line
  • Establish chest drain - 5th ICS in axilla (mid or anterior line)
  • X-ray to check position of drain & efficiency
 

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