Final answer:
A Tension Pneumothorax is a medical emergency where air entering the pleural space causes a lung to collapse and intrapleural pressure to increase, potentially leading to life-threatening complications. Immediate medical intervention is essential to relieve the pressure and treat the condition.
Step-by-step explanation:
A Tension Pneumothorax is a serious and potentially life-threatening condition, typically caused by a puncture wound to the chest such as from a gunshot or stab wound. This injury can lead to air accumulating in the pleural space—the area between the lung and the chest wall.
Normally, the intrapleural space is filled with a small amount of fluid which allows the lungs to move smoothly during breathing. The visceral pleura covers the lungs, while the parietal pleura lines the interior of the thorax. When air enters this space due to a puncture, it can cause the lung to collapse and the pressure to increase, sometimes enough to shift organs and disrupt heart and lung function.
When the lung collapses, it is referred to as a pneumothorax. In the case of a tension pneumothorax, the situation is more severe as the pressure within the chest cavity continues to increase with each breath, potentially leading to obstructive shock.
Treatment typically includes immediate medical intervention to remove the excess air from the thoracic cavity, possibly by inserting a chest tube or needle decompression, to relieve the pressure and allow the lung to re-expand.