Pneumothorax and Respiratory Care

These flashcards cover essential vocabulary, definitions, and concepts related to pneumothorax and its effects on respiratory care.

Pneumothorax

A condition where gas accumulates in the pleural space, leading to lung collapse.

Tension Pneumothorax

A severe form of pneumothorax where air enters pleural space but cannot exit, leading to lung compression and mediastinal shift.

Closed Pneumothorax

Gas in the pleural space that is not in direct contact with the atmosphere.

Open Pneumothorax

Pleural space is in direct contact with the atmosphere, allowing gas to move in and out.

Spontaneous Pneumothorax

Occurs suddenly without an underlying cause, often affects tall, thin individuals.

Iatrogenic Pneumothorax

Induced by medical procedures such as chest tube insertion or thoracentesis.

Atelectasis

Lung collapse that can occur as a result of pneumothorax.

Hyperresonance

A clinical finding noted on chest assessment over the area of pneumothorax.

Needle Decompression

A treatment for tension pneumothorax performed at the 2nd intercostal space.

Pendelluft

Paradoxical movement of air between the lungs during chest wall movement, often seen in pneumothorax.

Thoracostomy

Procedure to create an opening in the chest wall to insert a chest tube for air evacuation.

Pleurodesis

A treatment that involves injecting a chemical into the chest cavity to seal the pleura.

Chest Tube

A tube inserted into the pleural space to remove air, fluid, or pus.

Intrapulmonary Shunting

A condition that can result from pneumothorax where blood bypasses the alveoli, leading to decreased PaO2.

Clinical Manifestations of Pneumothorax

Signs include increased respiratory rate, tachycardia, hypoxemia, pain, anxiety, and cyanosis.

Ventilatory Failure

A condition that can occur in large pneumothorax, characterized by acute respiratory acidosis.

Chest X-Ray Findings

In pneumothorax, often shows increased translucency and mediastinal shift.

Arterial Blood Gases (ABGs)

Tests used to assess gas exchange efficiency; findings vary with size of pneumothorax.

Cyanosis

A bluish discoloration of the skin due to low oxygen levels, can be a symptom of pneumothorax.