Question

While assessing a patient who has a chest tube, the nurse suspects tension pneumothorax. Which symptoms in the patient support the nurse's suspicion?

Answer 1

Symptoms of tension pneumothorax include severe respiratory distress, decreased breath sounds, tracheal deviation, and hyperresonance on percussion.

Step-by-step explanation:

Symptoms of Tension Pneumothorax

When assessing a patient with a chest tube, the nurse suspects tension pneumothorax if the patient presents with the following symptoms:

• Severe respiratory distress: The patient may have rapid and shallow breathing, an increased heart rate, and difficulty breathing.
• Decreased breath sounds: The lung on the affected side may have decreased or absent breath sounds due to the collapse of the lung.
• Tracheal deviation: In tension pneumothorax, the trachea may deviate to the unaffected side.
• Hyperresonance on percussion: Percussion over the affected lung reveals a hyperresonant sound due to trapped air.

If a patient presents with these symptoms, it is important to seek immediate medical attention as tension pneumothorax is a medical emergency.