Board Review

THE INSERVICE IS TOMORROW Bored Review!

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You see an 18 year old basketball phenom who stands a mere 6’11” tall. He complains of sudden onset chest pain lasting minutes after a deep inhalation that may or may have been related to marijuana use. On his chest x-ray, you see a “small” pneumothorax.

 

What is the definition of a SMALL pneumothorax

 Depends a little on your source – ≤3 cm from the thoracic apex to lung cupola versus <2 cm from the thoracic apex to lung cupola.

 

What is the appropriate treatment and dispo?

OXYGEN! It decreases the time to re-expansion. Without O2 – 1.25% pneumothorax reduction per day. WITH O2 – 5% reduction per day. The patient would likely need admission with serial X-rays to ensure the pneumothorax does not expand.

 

By Dr. Andrew Grock and Dr. Sally Bogoch

 

References

Tintinalli’s 7th ed

 

The views expressed on this blog are the author's own and do not reflect the views of their employer. Please read our full disclaimer here. Any references to clinical cases refer to patients treated at a virtual hospital, Janus General Hospital.
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andygrock

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