Pneumothorax and Hemothorax Overview

These flashcards cover essential vocabulary related to pneumothorax and hemothorax, focusing on definitions necessary for understanding these medical conditions.

Pneumothorax

A condition where air collects within the pleural cavity, leading to lung collapse.

Hemothorax

A collection of blood in the pleural space, often due to traumatic injury.

Tension Pneumothorax

A life-threatening condition where air enters the pleural cavity but cannot escape, leading to increased pressure and lung collapse.

Iatrogenic pneumothorax

A type of pneumothorax caused by medical procedures such as biopsies or central line insertions.

Primary spontaneous pneumothorax (PSP)

Occurs without any underlying disease, commonly seen in healthy, tall, thin males aged 20-30.

Secondary spontaneous pneumothorax (SSP)

Occurs due to underlying lung disease or conditions, often in older adults.

Traumatic pneumothorax

Pneumothorax caused by physical injury to the chest.

Open pneumothorax

Occurs when there is a large wound that allows air to enter freely, often referred to as a sucking chest wound.

Chest tube

A device inserted into the pleural space to drain air or fluid and re-establish negative pressure.

Pleural space

The potential space between the parietal and visceral pleura surrounding the lungs.

Mediastinal shift

The displacement of mediastinal structures due to pressure increases in the pleural space.

Dyspnea

Difficulty or labored breathing, common in both pneumothorax and hemothorax.

Subcutaneous emphysema

Air leakage into the subcutaneous tissue, often a consequence of chest injury.

Suction control chamber

A component of chest drainage systems that regulates suction applied to the pleural space.

Air leak indicator

A part of the chest drainage system that shows whether air is entering the system.

Tachycardia

An abnormally rapid heart rate, often present in patients with hemothorax.

Decompression

The medical procedure of relieving pressure in the pleural space, typically done with a needle or chest tube.

Valsalva maneuver

A technique often used during chest tube removal to prevent pneumothorax.

Focused Assessment with Sonography in Trauma (FAST)

An ultrasound technique used in trauma settings to diagnose fluid in the abdomen or thorax.

Incentive spirometry

A device used to encourage deep breathing in patients, aiding in lung re-expansion.

Hydrostatic pressure

The pressure exerted by a fluid at equilibrium, significant in hemothorax as it can influence vascular return.