Pediatric Trauma - Management of the Pediatric Trauma Patient

Tension Pneumothorax


Needle decompress a suspected tension pneumothorax when the following signs and symptoms are present:
  • Early findings include:
    • Chest pain
    • Shortness of breath
    • Anxiety
    • Tachypnea
    • Diminished breath sounds on the affected side
    • Hyperresonance of the chest wall on the affected side
  • Late findings include:
    • Jugular venous distention (JVD)
    • Hypotension
    • Tracheal deviation to the opposite side (usually considered a late sign, unless radiological films are available)
    • Cyanosis
    • Mental status change (secondary to hypoxia or circulatory collapse)