management of a tension pneumothorax
Last reviewed 08/2021
A tension pneumothorax is a medical emergency requiring immediate decompression:
- insert a large-bore intravenous cannula into the second intercostal space in the midclavicular line on the affected side
- if there is a sudden release of air, the diagnosis is confirmed and should be followed immediately by an intercostal chest drain in the fifth intercostal space in the midaxillary line
- if the diagnosis is in doubt, order a chest x-ray and proceed with the chest drain if confirmatory
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