11. Hemothorax vs. Pneumothorax

RespiratoryHemothorax vs. Pneumothorax

Key Sign & Memory Trick

Tension Pneumothorax

Treatment:

Hemothorax

Pneumothorax

HESI QuestionDuring central line placement the patient develops dyspnea and tachypnea and the provider asks for a chest tube tray...

Suspected pneumothorax

Blood collects in pleural space (space between lung and chest wall) resulting in lung collapse. Think hemo meaning blood like HEMOglobin.

Lung collapses due to AIR in pleural space. Key sign: hyperresonance - like taping on a hollow drum or tree.

Can result from an open pneumothorax, where air gets sucked into thepleural space when breathing in & can't get out, known as a sucking chest wound. All this built-up pressure can push organs & trachea to one side.

Hemothorax

Pneumothorax

Tension Pneumothorax

HEMOTHORAX

PNEUMOTHORAX

TENSION PNEUMOTHORAX

HHIGH AIR

HHYPERRESONANCE

LBLOOD OR FLUID

LDULL RESONANCE

TTENSION

PNEUMOTHORAX

TTRACHEALDEVIATION

Chest tube Open pneumothorax “sucking sound”

Tape on 3 sides

Cover the wound with occlusive(petroleum gauze) dressing

1st

Dyspnea Tachycardia Tachypnea