Acute Pneumothorax. Issue 2 (April 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Arshad, Hammad; Young, Meilin; Adurty, Rajashekar; Singh, Anil C.
• Is Part Of: Critical care nursing quarterly. Volume 39:Issue 2(2016)
• Publication Date: 2016-04
• Subjects: primary spontaneous pneumothorax -- secondary spontaneous pneumothorax -- tension pneumothorax -- traumatic iatrogenic and noniatrogenic pneumothorax -- tube thoracostomy; Critical care medicine -- Periodicals; Intensive care nursing -- Periodicals; Education, Nursing, Continuing -- Periodicals; Critical Care -- Periodicals; Emergencies -- Periodicals; 616.028
• DOI: 10.1097/CNQ.0000000000000110
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0887-9303

Abstract

Abstract : Pneumothorax is defined as the abnormal presence of air within the pleural space (cavity) that results in the partial or complete collapse of a lung. It can occur spontaneously or due to a traumatic event. Symptoms can vary from a nondescriptive complaint of shortness of breath or chest pain to complete cardiopulmonary collapse. Diagnosis is based on a combination of clinical suspicion along with supporting imaging studies. Treatment often involves surgical or nonsurgical approaches with goal to alleviate symptoms and prevent recurrence.