Learn about the nursing care management for patients with pneumothorax in this nursing study guide. Show
What is Pneumothorax?Pneumothorax is one of the disorders of the chest and lower respiratory tract.
ClassificationTypes of pneumothorax include simple, traumatic, and tension pneumothorax
PathophysiologyThe pathophysiology of pneumothorax include:
CausesThe cause leads to the identification of the type of pneumothorax.
Clinical ManifestationsThe signs and symptoms associated with pneumothorax depend on its size and cause.
Assessment and DiagnosisPneumothorax is assessed and diagnosed with the following:
Medical ManagementMedical management of pneumothorax depends on its cause and severity.
Surgical ManagementIf more than 1500 ml of blood is aspirated initially by thoracentesis, the rule is to open the chest wall surgically.
Nursing ManagementNursing management of a patient with pneumothorax includes the following steps. Nursing AssessmentThe nurse should assess the following:
Nursing DiagnosisBased on the assessment data, the major nursing diagnoses for the patient are:
Nursing Care Planning and GoalsMain Article: 3 Hemothorax and Pneumothorax Nursing Care Plans The goals for the patient include:
Nursing InterventionsNursing interventions appropriate for the patient are:
EvaluationExpected patient outcomes include:
Discharge and Home Care GuidelinesCare of the patient at home should include:
Documentation GuidelinesThe focus of documentation should include:
Practice Quiz: PneumothoraxHere’s a 5-item quiz about the study guide. Please visit our nursing test bank for more NCLEX practice questions. 1. An initial characteristic symptom of a simple pneumothorax is: A. ARDS. 2. Clinical manifestations related to pneumothorax include the following except for: A. Pleuritic pain. 3. Which of the following should the nurse assess in a patient with pneumothorax? A. Tracheal alignment. 4. The pressure required in the pleural space to keep the lungs inflated is: A. Positive. 5. The following are types of pneumothorax except: A. Trauma. Answers and Rationale 1. Answer: D. Tachypnea and chest discomfort.
2. Answer: C. Acrocyanosis.
3. Answer: D. All of the above.
4. Answer: B. Negative.
5. Answer: D. Direct.
See AlsoPosts related to this care plan:
[sc name=”Affiliate_MedicalSurgical”] What is a common finding in a patient with a tension pneumothorax?Tension pneumothorax is classically characterized by hypotension and hypoxia. On examination, breath sounds are absent on the affected hemothorax and the trachea deviates away from the affected side. The thorax may also be hyperresonant; jugular venous distention and tachycardia may be present.
What will the nurse expect to assess in a patient with a tension pneumothorax?The nurse should assess the following: Tracheal alignment. Expansion of the chest. Breath sounds.
Which finding would lead the nurse to suspect the patient has a tension pneumothorax?Findings that suggest tension pneumothorax include unequal breath sounds (diminished or absent on the side of the pneumothorax), tracheal deviation (away from the side of the pneumothorax), distended neck veins, and/or signs of respiratory distress.
What finding indicates the presence of a pneumothorax?The most common symptoms are chest pain and shortness of breath. The chest pain is pleuritic, sharp, severe, and radiates to the ipsilateral shoulder. In SSP, dyspnea is more severe because of decreased underlying lung reserve. The history of pneumothorax in the past is important as recurrence is seen in 15-40% cases.
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