Master Tension Pneumothorax with Picmonic for Physician Assistant

With Picmonic, facts become pictures. We've taken what the science shows - image mnemonics work - but we've boosted the effectiveness by building and associating memorable characters, interesting audio stories, and built-in quizzing.

DOWNLOAD PDF

Recommended Picmonics

Spontaneous Pneumothorax

Chest Tubes: Management and Care

Flail Chest

Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA)

Cyanide Poisoning Diagnosis and Treatment

Tension Pneumothorax

Tension-stretching Nude-Thor-axe

Picmonic

Tension pneumothorax is characterized by intrapleural pressure that is greater than the atmospheric pressure. It presents with sudden deterioration, hypotension, jugular venous distention and no breath sounds. It is most commonly due to positive pressure mechanical ventilation.

11 KEY FACTS

There must be a one-way valve mechanism causing more air to enter the pleural space on inspiration than exits on expiration. This collapses the ipsilateral lung and shifts the mediastinum away from the side of the pneumothorax.

Tension pneumothorax can be caused by trauma or infection, which perforates the lung, leading to a one-way flap.

Decreased breath sounds are heard due to presence of air in the pleural space.

Due to buildup of pressure on the ipsilateral side of the tension pneumothorax, it may cause the mediastinum and trachea to deviate away from the affected side.

Chest pain is present in tension pneumothorax.

Marked tachycardia is present in tension pneumothorax.

Rapid labored respirations are present in tension pneumothorax.

Tension pneumothorax can cause increased pressure within the chest vacuity and thus reduce systemic venous return to the heart leading to reduced cardiac output and hypotension.

Ventilation-perfusion mismatch can lead to decreased PaO2.

Increased intrapleural pressure can lead to hyperresonance on percussion.

Tension pneumothorax presents with a sudden deterioration of the patient and is a medical emergency.

DOWNLOAD PDF