heart-rate-pulse-graph

Tension Pneumothorax

Anesthesia Implications

Clinically reviewed by anesthesia providers · Updated

Risk factors

  • Pneumothorax
  • Hypoxia
  • Hypotension
  • Tachycardia
  • Shock
  • Reduced Cardiac Output
  • Avoid N2O
  • Cyanosis
  • Avoid Positive Pressure Ventilation

Pathophysiology

Air enters the pleural space through a one-way valve — a lacerated visceral pleura, a ruptured alveolus, a needle track — and cannot get back out. Intrapleural pressure climbs with every breath, the...

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