Podcast: Play in new window | Download

CAUTION: THESE NOTES CONTAIN SPOILERS!!!

Case Introduction

A young gentlemen runs out to triage yelling “I can’t breath!” and collapses to the floor in front of the nurse…

Initial Vitals

  • Temp 98.8
  • HR 145
  • RR 45
  • BP 60/30
  • O2 85%

Critical Actions

  • Give Supplemental Oxygen
  • Identify Pneumothorax Prior to Imaging
  • Correctly Perform Needle Thoracostomy
  • Correctly Perform Tube Thoracostomy

Final Diagnosis

Pneumothorax Secondary to Penetrating Chest Trauma

Tips and Tricks

Be careful, lack of visual cues during oral cases can mislead you!

Additional Reading