Intermediate
Technical
In the Industry Vocabulary Test
tension pneumothorax
Life-threatening accumulation of air in the pleural space causing mediastinal shift and cardiovascular compromise.
Full Definition
A critical thoracic emergency where progressive air accumulation in the pleural cavity creates a one-way valve effect, leading to complete lung collapse, mediastinal shift, and impaired venous return to the heart. This condition requires immediate decompression through needle thoracostomy or chest tube insertion before diagnostic imaging. Untreated tension pneumothorax rapidly progresses to cardiovascular collapse and death.
Usage
Usage note: Emphasize immediate decompression over diagnostic confirmation in clinical documentation.
In Context
- "Immediate needle decompression was performed for suspected tension pneumothorax prior to chest tube insertion." — Trauma surgery procedure note
- "Clinical signs of tension pneumothorax included tracheal deviation and absent breath sounds on the affected side." — Emergency medicine documentation
Contrasted with
normal pleural space
lung re-expansion
Don't confuse with
simple pneumothorax
hemothorax
cardiac tamponade