Pneumothorax (Collapsed Lung)

Sudden sharp chest pain, shortness of breath, rapid heart rate, cyanosis, decreased breath sounds on affected side

Spontaneous (tall thin males, smoking), traumatic (rib fracture, penetrating injury), iatrogenic (medical procedures), COPD, asthma

Observation for small pneumothorax, needle aspiration, chest tube insertion, oxygen therapy, surgery for recurrent cases

Monitor respiratory status, oxygen saturation, chest tube drainage; assess for re-expansion; pain management; educate on prevention

Source: NHS Scotland. For educational purposes only.