Pneumothorax Nursing, Pathophysiology, Interventions | Open vs Closed vs Tension Pneumothorax

Summary

In this educational video, Sarah, a registered nurse, provides an in-depth review of pneumothorax, a respiratory condition where air accumulates in the pleural space causing lung collapse. She covers the pathology, types (spontaneous, open, closed, and tension), symptoms, and nursing interventions. Sarah emphasizes the importance of recognizing signs like chest pain and difficulty breathing, and outlines interventions including chest tube care. She also advises viewers to complement this knowledge with her video on chest tube care for a comprehensive understanding.

Takeaways

• 😷 A pneumothorax is the collapse of a lung due to air accumulating in the pleural space, which is the area between the visceral and parietal pleura.
• 🚑 Pneumothorax can occur spontaneously without warning or be caused by chest trauma, medical procedures, or lung diseases.
• 🏥 Diagnosis of pneumothorax is typically made using chest x-rays, ultrasounds, or CT scans, with treatment ranging from observation to chest tube placement or needle decompression.
• 🔍 There are different types of pneumothorax, including spontaneous, open, closed, and tension pneumothorax, each with distinct causes and treatments.
• 🩺 Signs and symptoms of pneumothorax include chest pain, cyanosis, tachycardia, low blood pressure, absent breath sounds on the affected side, and difficulty breathing.
• 🏃‍♂️ In the case of an open pneumothorax, a nursing intervention involves placing a sterile occlusive dressing taped on three sides to prevent a tension pneumothorax.
• 🆘 Tension pneumothorax is a medical emergency where air accumulates in the pleural space and cannot escape, causing severe pressure and potentially life-threatening complications.
• 🩹 Nursing interventions for pneumothorax include monitoring breath sounds, vital signs, administering oxygen, and maintaining chest tube drainage systems.
• 📚 It's crucial for nurses to be knowledgeable about chest tube care, as chest tubes are often used in the treatment of pneumothorax, and understanding their care is vital for patient outcomes.
• 🔗 The video script emphasizes the importance of understanding the anatomy and physiology of the lungs and pleural space to effectively manage pneumothorax and related conditions.

Q & A

What is a pneumothorax?

A pneumothorax is the collapsing of a lung due to air accumulating in the pleural space, which is the space between the visceral and parietal pleura.

What are the causes of pneumothorax?

Causes of pneumothorax include spontaneous occurrences without warning, trauma to the chest such as blunt or penetrating trauma, lung disease, medical procedures like central line placement, and mechanical ventilation with positive end-expiratory pressure.

How is pneumothorax diagnosed?

Pneumothorax is typically diagnosed using a chest x-ray, ultrasound, or CT scan.

What are the different types of pneumothorax mentioned in the script?

The script mentions closed pneumothorax, open pneumothorax, and tension pneumothorax as the different types.

What is a closed pneumothorax?

A closed pneumothorax occurs when air leaks into the pleural space without an outside opening, causing the lung to collapse as air accumulates within the space.

What is an open pneumothorax and how is it treated?

An open pneumothorax is where there is an opening in the chest wall allowing air to pass between the outside and the pleural space. It is treated by placing a sterile occlusive dressing taped on three sides to allow exhaled air to escape and prevent a tension pneumothorax.

What is a tension pneumothorax and why is it a medical emergency?

A tension pneumothorax occurs when an opening to the pleural space creates a one-way valve effect, causing air to collect but not escape, leading to a build-up of pressure. This is a medical emergency as it can compress the heart and other structures, leading to life-threatening complications.

What are the signs and symptoms of a pneumothorax?

Signs and symptoms include chest pain, cyanosis, tachycardia, low blood pressure, low SpO2, absent breath sounds on the affected side, tracheal deviation, subcutaneous emphysema, and unequal chest expansion.

What nursing interventions are recommended for a patient with pneumothorax?

Nursing interventions include monitoring breath sounds and chest rise and fall, assessing vital signs, administering oxygen, maintaining chest tube drainage if placed, and assessing for leaks or issues with the drainage system.

Why is it important to check for chest tube care in relation to pneumothorax?

Chest tubes and pneumothorax often go hand in hand, as chest tubes are used to drain air from the pleural space in cases of pneumothorax. Understanding chest tube care is crucial for managing patients with pneumothorax.