NSE 418 Study Guide - Midterm Guide: Hemopneumothorax, Occlusive Dressing, Chest Tube
Document Summary
The normal negative pressure in the pleural space is disrupted, and the affected lung is compressed and collapses: dullness with percussion on the left side. Bc of the presence of fluid (blood) in the pleural space: asymmetric chest wall movement. Breathing may be asymmetrical because lung inflation is different on each side of the chest: decreased breath sounds with auscultation on the left side, audible sucking sound with inspiration. Heard as air is sucked into the chest from outside the body: crackles/adventitious breath sounds are usually. If chest drainage tubing becomes separated from the chest drainage the end of the tubing should immediately be immersed in a container of sterile water . Embolus: ask a colleague to notify the physician stat, clamp the central line, administer oxygen, put the patient on his left side with the head of the bed lowered.
