07.01.2020 - By Zack Olson, MD and Michael Estephan, MD
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
* Thoracic Trauma (EM Clerkship)* NBME Trauma Review (EM Clerkship)