Introduction Tension pneumothorax is a medical emergency associated with a high degree of morbidity and mortality without immediate interventions. It is critical that healthcare providers identify and treat this condition promptly. This article will discuss the case study of Pritesh who is developing 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, discussing the step taken in assessing the patient's needs and related managements. Finally, the author will evaluate the effectiveness of the interventions, summarize the key points and outline the knowledge gained from the case study. Brief description of the symptoms presented by the patient and the initial complaint Wildgruber and Rummeny (2012) define tension pneumothorax as a 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 receiving mechanical ventilation (Briggs, 2010). The increased chest pressure will compress against the heart and unaffected lung compromising cardiac function and ventilation (Pons, & National Association of Emergency Medical Technicians, 2011). Rapid intervention is needed to prevent fatal conditions such as hypoxia, shock, cardiorespiratory arrest, and death (Wildgruber & Rummeny, 2012; Day, 2011; Bethel, 2008). Assessment of the patient and their needs Assessments focus on establishing the underlying cause of Pritesh's rapid deterioration to guide successful interventions. Vital signs provide valuable clues to the patient's status (Brown & Edwards, 2012). Pritesh...... middle of paper...... are expected to 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 surgery 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 which includes evidence of learningIn conclusion, tension pneumothorax is an emergency procedure that can develop if the chest tubes are occluded. This writer has learned to verify proper drainage function and a patent chest tube, as well as the management of tension pneumothorax that prioritizes the creation of adequate perfusion and cardiac output. Education is also important for both patients and healthcare professionals as insufficient knowledge could lead to fatal conditions.
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