a. Signs/Symptoms of Simple Pneumothorax. Signs and symptoms include
the following:
(1)
Pain that is sudden and sharp (in spontaneous pneumothorax).
(2)
Diminished or absent breath sounds.
(3) Hyperresonance (exaggerated sound) on the affected side as detected
by percussion.
(4)
Dyspnea (labored breathing) or gasping respiration.
(5)
Tracheal deviation toward the affected side.
(6)
A dry cough.
b. Treatment of Simple Pneumothorax. To treat simple pneumothorax, you
should:
(1)
Maintain the airway.
(2)
Administer oxygen.
(3) If the wound is small, the vital signs are stable, and there is no
respiratory distress, transport the casualty in a position that is comfortable for him.
(4) If the wound is large, perform chest decompression. Symptoms of a
large wound are:
(a)
Marked respiratory distress.
(b)
Tachycardia (rapid pulse).
(c)
Hypotension (low blood pressure).
1-11. SUBCUTANEOUS EMPHYSEMA
The presence of air or gas in the subcutaneous tissues is called subcutaneous
emphysema. This condition can be caused by a blow to the chest which has caused a
lung laceration from a fractured rib. If the chest injury is very severe, subcutaneous
emphysema can involve the entire chest, neck, and face.
MD0569
1-10