Pneumothorax and Hemothorax

Air or gas in the pleural space, causing lung collapse.

Air trapped in the pleural space, preventing its escape, putting pressure on heart and lungs.

Blood in the pleural space.

Pneumothorax without trauma, often due to bleb rupture.

Multiple fractured ribs causing paradoxical chest movement.

Chest pain that worsens with breathing, usually sharp and localized.

Difficulty breathing, characterized by rapid breathing, increased heart rate, low oxygen levels, and blue skin.

The trachea shifts to the unaffected side in a tension pneumothorax.

Diminished or absent breathing sounds on the affected side, indicating lung collapse or fluid buildup.

Low oxygen levels in the blood.

A medical imaging test used to visualize the lungs and chest cavity, revealing signs of conditions like pneumothorax or hemothorax.

A procedure where a needle is inserted into the pleural space to remove fluid for analysis or to relieve pressure.

Thoracentesis is used to confirm the presence of hemothorax and to remove excess fluid from the pleural space.

Ensure informed consent, position the client, monitor vital signs, and assist with specimen transport.

Clients need to remain still during the procedure, understand discomfort from the anesthetic, and expect some pressure when the needle is inserted.

A sitting position with the head of the bed elevated to 90 degrees, used to optimize lung expansion and ventilation.

Providing supplemental oxygen to a patient who is not getting enough oxygen from the air they breathe.

Measurements that indicate a patient's basic bodily functions, including temperature, pulse, respiration, and blood pressure.

A medical device that assists or takes over breathing for a patient who cannot breathe adequately on their own.

Providing comfort, understanding, and reassurance to a patient and their family during a challenging time.

Pain medications that activate mu and kappa receptors to reduce pain. They also cause respiratory depression, euphoria, sedation, and decreased gastrointestinal motility.

Common opioid agonists used for moderate to severe pain. They act on the mu and kappa receptors to provide analgesia.

A serious side effect of opioid agonists, characterized by slow and shallow breathing, due to the suppression of the respiratory centers in the brain.

A device allowing patients to self-administer pain medication as needed, with safety features to prevent overdosing.

Encourage increased fluid intake to prevent constipation, a common side effect. Ask about any fluid restrictions due to other conditions.

Benzodiazepines, such as lorazepam or midazolam, can be used to reduce anxiety in patients. They have amnesiac effects and can cause drowsiness.

When a patient is given a benzodiazepine, it's crucial to monitor their vital signs, especially blood pressure and breathing, as these medications can lead to low blood pressure and breathing problems.

Chest tubes are inserted into the area around the lungs to remove fluid, blood, or air, restore pressure, and help the lungs expand.

Nurses play a vital role in chest tube insertion and management by obtaining consent, monitoring the patient's vital signs and chest tube drainage, and reporting any abnormalities.

When a patient has extended weakness or needs help with increased activity, consulting rehabilitation services can help them regain strength and mobility.

Taking deep breaths to expand your lungs and improve breathing after a pneumothorax or hemothorax.

Taking breaks throughout the day to rest your body and allow your lungs to heal.

Washing your hands frequently to prevent infections, especially after a pneumothorax or hemothorax.

Using a device to take deep breaths and help your lungs expand after surgery or a lung injury.

Staying connected with your doctor after a pneumothorax or hemothorax to monitor your recovery and report any problems.

A chest tube is inserted to remove fluid, blood, or air from the space around the lung (pleural space), allowing the lung to expand and restore normal pressure.

The recovery process can take time. Rest periods are essential, and it's important to follow the doctor's instructions.

Signs like fever, cough, difficulty breathing, and sharp chest pain could indicate complications that need medical attention.

The heart pumps less blood due to increased pressure in the chest cavity.

Low blood pressure caused by decreased cardiac output.

Inability to breathe properly due to lung collapse.

Giving fluids through a vein to increase blood volume and improve circulation.

Checking for abnormalities in the heart's electrical activity.

A serious condition where multiple ribs are fractured, causing a section of the chest wall to move in the opposite direction of normal breathing.

Unequal chest expansion, paradoxical chest wall movement (inward during inhalation, outward during exhalation), and rapid breathing.

Because the flailed section cannot participate in normal breathing, the lung below it collapses on inhalation, leading to decreased oxygen uptake.

Stabilize the chest and provide adequate oxygenation, usually through mechanical ventilation.

To manage pain and improve comfort, allowing them to breathe deeply and participate in recovery.