What is tension pneumothorax?

• Air builds in pleural space with no where for the air to escape. • Results in collapse of lung on affected side that results in: - pressure on mediastium and heart cavities, - pressure on the other lung, - pressure on great vessels S&S (tachypnea, tachycardia, poor color, jugular vein distention, hypotension, dyspnea, anxiety, abscent breath sounds, acessory muscle use) Tx (Needle decompression [2-3 intercostal space midclavicular, cleanse, insert cath over 3rd rib 14g, remove stylette and listen to air rush