Acute Pneumothorax

Crit Care Nurs Q. 2016 Apr-Jun;39(2):176-89. doi: 10.1097/CNQ.0000000000000110.

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.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Acute Disease
  • Humans
  • Incidence
  • Pneumothorax / classification
  • Pneumothorax / diagnosis*
  • Pneumothorax / therapy*
  • Recurrence
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed
  • United States / epidemiology