NREMT: Tension Pneumothorax

Flashcards covering tension pneumothorax, its risk factors, symptoms, and treatment, based on NREMT standards.

Tension pneumothorax

Collapsing of a lung due to trauma, resulting in hypotension.

Tension pneumothorax risk factors

Traumatic injury; thin, tall, young men.

Tension pneumothorax signs and symptoms

Absent or diminished lung sounds unilaterally, hypotension, JVD, difficulty breathing, sharp chest pain.

Tension pneumothorax treatment

Oxygen via non-rebreather mask to maintain SpO2 above 94%, three-sided dressing to allow air to escape but not enter, BVM ventilations if patient can't control airway.