A patient comes into the ER after she was attacked. She is experiencing difficulty breathing after...

A patient comes into the ER after she was attacked. She is experiencing difficulty breathing after she was stabbed in the thorax. Scans show fluid in the thoracic cavity through a lesion in the lung; in short, a hemopneumothorax. Explain the pressure gradients that would allow air and blood to enter the thoracic cavity in the first place. What will happen to this patient without medical intervention? Explain each step of her imminent demise.

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Expert Solution

Hemopneumothorax is a combination of two conditions: pneumothorax and hemothorax. Pneumothorax, which is known as a collapsed lung, happens when there is air in the lung, in the space between the lung and the chest cavity. Hemothorax occurs when there is blood in that same space. Hemopneumothorax occurs as a result of a wound to the chest, such as from a gunshot, stabbing, or broken rib. This is called traumatic hemopneumothorax.To treat hemopneumothorax, the blood and air must be drained from the chest using a tube. Surgery will also be needed to repair any wounds or injuries.Hemopneumothorax is most frequently caused by a trauma or blunt or penetrating injury to the chest.When the chest wall is injured, blood, air, or both can enter the thin fluid-filled space surrounding the lungs, which is called the pleural space. As a result, the functioning of the lungs is disrupted. The lungs aren’t able to expand to let in air. The lungs then shrink down and collapse.Treatment for hemopneumothorax is draining the air and blood in the chest, returning the lung to normal function, preventing complications, and repairing any wounds.The main treatment for hemopneumothorax is called chest tube thoracostomy. In this procedure it involves placing a hollow plastic tube between the ribs into the area around the lungs in order to drain the air and blood. The tube may be connected to a machine to help with the drainage.Losing a lot of blood from this condition can cause your body to go into shock because of the lack of blood and oxygen being pumped throughout your body to your organs.Shock caused by blood loss is called hypovolemic shock. Going into hypovolemic shock can cause long-term or permanent damage to the organs, including your heart, lungs, and brain.Blood getting into your chest cavity can infect fluid in the area around your lungs. This type of infection is known as empyema. An untreated empyema infection can lead to sepsis, which happens when inflammation occurs throughout your body. Sepsis can be fatal if not treated quickly.A collapsed lung, if untreated, can cause you to stop breathing. This is known as respiratory failure

Sydney Mullin answered 1 year ago

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