Respiratory and Muscular Clinicals: Pneumothorax, Rhabdomyolysis, Pleural Effusion, and Compartment Syndrome

What is pneumothorax?

A collapsed lung that occurs when air leaks into the space between the lung and chest wall.

Mech of pneumothorax?

air enters into pleural space, from injury or rupture of small air sacs, disrupting normal neg. pressure that keeps the lungs expanded. As pressure builds, the lung collapses & cannot inflate properly

What are the symptoms of pneumothorax?

Sudden chest pain, shortness of breath, cough, rapid breathing/heart rate, fatigue, bluish skin.

What are the risk factors for pneumothorax?

Smoking, genetics, thin body type, chest injury, previous pneumothorax.

What are the treatments for pneumothorax?

Needle aspiration (thoracentesis), chest tube insertion, oxygen therapy.

How does pneumothorax relate to lab findings?

The intrapleural pressure should always be lower than the intrapulmonary pressure; otherwise, the lung will collapse.

What is rhabdomyolysis?

A rare muscle injury where muscles break down & releases substances, which can be life-threatening.

What causes rhabdomyolysis?

muscle injury causes muscle cells to rupture, releasing myoglobin and other intracellular contents into the blood (can accumulate in kidneys and cause kidney failure)

What are the symptoms of rhabdomyolysis?

Muscle swelling, weak or tender muscles, dark urine, dehydration, decreased urination, nausea, fatigue.

What are the risk factors for rhabdomyolysis?

Injury or trauma, intense exercise, severe dehydration, drug or alc., medications, being over 65+

What are the treatments for rhabdomyolysis?

IV fluids, physical therapy, electrolyte management, dialysis for severe kidney damage.

How does rhabdomyolysis relate to lab findings?

Over-exercising without adequate recovery can lead to this life-threatening condition.

What is pleural effusion?

Buildup of excess fluid in the pleural space around the lungs

What causes pleural effusion?

imbalance in production & removal of pleural fluid causes fluid accumulates in pleural space compressing the lung & limiting expansion

What are the symptoms of pleural effusion?

Chest pain, dyspnea (shortness of breath), orthopnea (difficulty breathing while lying down), cough

what are the risk factors for pleural effusion?

heart failure, pneumonia, cancer, liver or kidney disease

What are the treatments for pleural effusion?

drain fluid (thoracentesis) Diuretics, heart failure meds, antibiotics, thoracentesis, chest tube, surgery.

What is compartment syndrome?

condition where pressure builds up within muscle compartment, cutting off blood flow

What causes compartment syndrome?

When swelling or bleeding occurs inside the compartment, pressure increases and compresses blood vessels. This reduces blood flow & tissue dies

What are the symptoms of compartment syndrome?

Swelling, muscle pain, tightness, severe pain while stretching, numbness, tingling, burning under the skin.

What are the risk factors for compartment syndrome?

Sudden injuries, fractures, athletes, physically demanding jobs, hemophilia, blood disorders.

What are the treatments for compartment syndrome?

Fasciotomy, skin graft, NSAIDs, physical therapy, orthotics, changing exercise routine.

How does compartment syndrome relate to lab findings?

Increased physical activity can make individuals more susceptible to compartment syndrome.