Tension pneumothorax is a rapidly progressive emergency where air accumulates in the pleural space, compressing the heart and contralateral lung.
Classical Signs
- Tracheal deviation to the unaffected (healthy) side.
- Diminished or absent breath sounds on the affected side.
- Asymmetrical chest wall expansion.
- Severe respiratory distress, hypotension, and neck vein distension (JVD).
Emergency Interventions
- 1. Immediate needle decompression: A large-bore (14-gauge) needle is inserted into the 2nd intercostal space in the midclavicular line.
- 2. Chest Tube Insertion: Connect to a water-seal drainage system to re-expand the lung.
