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Essay / Tension pneumothorax can lead to death - 1861
IntroductionTension pneumothorax is a medical emergency associated with a high degree of morbidity and mortality without immediate interventions. It is essential that healthcare professionals identify and treat this condition quickly. This article will discuss a case study of Pritesh who develops a tension pneumothorax following a hemothorax which is an accumulation of blood in the pleural space (Brown & Edwards, 2012). The article will focus on describing the patient's symptoms and complaints, steps taken to assess the patient's needs, and relevant management. Finally, the author will evaluate the effectiveness of the interventions, summarize the key points and present the knowledge gained from the case study. Brief description of the patient's symptoms and initial complaint. Wildgruber and Rummeny (2012) define tension pneumothorax as life-threatening. condition in which air enters the pleural cavity during inspiration but cannot escape during expiration. It is more common in patients with chest trauma and those on mechanical ventilation (Briggs, 2010). The increased chest pressure compresses against the unaffected heart and lungs, impairing cardiac functions and ventilation (Pons and National Association of Emergency Medical Technicians, 2011). Rapid intervention is necessary to prevent life-threatening conditions, including hypoxia, shock, cardiorespiratory arrest, and death (Wildgruber & Rummeny, 2012; Day, 2011; Bethel, 2008). Assessment of the patient and their needs. The assessments are focused on establishing the underlying cause of Pritesh's rapid deterioration. to guide successful interventions. Vital signs provide valuable clues about the patient's condition (Brown & Edwards, 2012). Pritesh...... middle of paper ...... should show normal values of PaO2 (80-100 mmHg), PaCo2 (35-45 mmHg) and pH (7.36-7.44) which confirm adequate perfusion and the absence of acidosis (Casey, 2013; Elliott et al, 2012). CXR performed after the intervention showed that the patient's right lung expanded without deviation of the trachea, which confirms the effectiveness of the interventions (Urden et al, 2014; Wilson et al, 2013). Conclusion including learning evidenceIn conclusion, tension pneumothorax is an emergency procedure that can develop if chest tubes become blocked. The author learned how to check for proper drainage and a patent chest tube as well as manage tension pneumothorax which prioritizes establishing adequate perfusion and cardiac output. Education is also important for both patients and healthcare workers, as insufficient knowledge could lead to life-threatening illnesses..