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Questions and Answers
Which of the following mechanisms directly leads to the collapse of a lung in pneumothorax?
Which of the following mechanisms directly leads to the collapse of a lung in pneumothorax?
- Interruption of the normal negative pressure in the pleural space. (correct)
- Constriction of the bronchioles, preventing air entry.
- Increased blood flow to the affected lung tissue.
- Accumulation of fluid within the alveoli.
A patient presents with sudden, sharp chest pain, dyspnea, and decreased breath sounds on the left side. Which of the following findings would most strongly suggest a pneumothorax rather than another cause of chest pain?
A patient presents with sudden, sharp chest pain, dyspnea, and decreased breath sounds on the left side. Which of the following findings would most strongly suggest a pneumothorax rather than another cause of chest pain?
- Increased white blood cell count.
- Elevated blood pressure.
- Gradual onset of pain over several days.
- Presence of a sucking sound during inspiration. (correct)
In a patient with pneumothorax and mediastinal shift, which of the following physiological changes is most likely to occur as a direct result of the shift?
In a patient with pneumothorax and mediastinal shift, which of the following physiological changes is most likely to occur as a direct result of the shift?
- Decreased cardiac output. (correct)
- Increased oxygen saturation.
- Improved venous return to the heart.
- Compression of the unaffected lung.
Which of the following conditions can directly cause a pneumothorax?
Which of the following conditions can directly cause a pneumothorax?
What is the underlying cause of the increased heart rate and tachypnea observed in a patient with pneumothorax?
What is the underlying cause of the increased heart rate and tachypnea observed in a patient with pneumothorax?
Flashcards
Pneumothorax
Pneumothorax
A collapsed lung caused by air or gas accumulation in the pleural space.
Pneumothorax Symptoms
Pneumothorax Symptoms
Breath sounds are decreased or absent on the affected side, and the patient may experience sudden, sharp chest pain and dyspnea.
Mediastinal Shift
Mediastinal Shift
The shift of the mediastinum to the unaffected side due to increased pressure in the pleural space.
Causes of Pneumothorax
Causes of Pneumothorax
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Study Notes
- Pneumothorax is a collapsed lung caused by air or gas accumulation in the pleural space.
- This accumulation disrupts the normal negative pressure, leading to lung collapse.
- Causes include ruptured blebs (e.g., in emphysema), severe coughing, penetrating chest injuries, fractured ribs, or subclavian catheter insertion.
- A spontaneous pneumothorax can occur without an apparent cause.
- Symptoms include decreased breath sounds on the affected side, sudden sharp chest pain, dyspnea, diaphoresis, increased heart rate, and tachypnea.
- Chest movements on the affected side cease.
- A sucking sound may be heard on inspiration with penetrating injuries.
- Increased intrathoracic pressure can cause mediastinal shift and compression.
- Cardiac output is altered due to decreased venous return and compression of great vessels.
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