Tension Pneumothorax
Background
Diagnosis
- Diminished or absent breath sounds
- Hypotension or e/o hypoperfusion
- Distended neck veins
- May not occur if pt is hypovolemic
- Tracheal deviation
- Late sign
Treatment
- Immediate needle decompression if unstable (clinical = decreased BS or US findings)
- Wait for CXR confirmation if stable
- 14ga IV in midclavicular line just above the rib at the second intercostal space
- Followed by Chest Tube