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.

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

A patient on your team is experiencing difficulty breathing. There is no change in the patient's...

A patient on your team is experiencing difficulty breathing. There is no change in the patient's status after you elevate the head of bed, apply oxygen, have the patient use pursed lip breathing, and obtain a breathing treatment for the patient. Auscultation of the lungs demonstrates crackles bilaterally halfway up the lungs. The respiratory rate is 40 breaths/min, with an oxygen saturation level of 90% on 4 liters oxygen per nasal cannula. The patient is restless and having difficulty speaking...

Juan is a 2 year old boy who was admitted via the ER for difficulty breathing....

Juan is a 2 year old boy who was admitted via the ER for difficulty breathing. He and his parents do not speak English. You immediately begin a focused assessment on Juan and your findings include: Juan is sitting upright with his hands on the bed, chin and tongue out, drooling excessively. Breath sounds in all lung fields are severely diminished. Stridor is present. His color is dusky blue, O2 Sats 60% HR 122, RR 24, BP 100/60 Juan’s parents...

The client comes in to the Emergency Room with complaints of difficulty breathing, productive cough, malaise,...

The client comes in to the Emergency Room with complaints of difficulty breathing, productive cough, malaise, and night sweats. He is currently living in a 1 bedroom apartment with his wife, brother, sister-in-law and 3 small children. His vital signs are as follows: T 100.5 F, P 88, RR 20, BP 132/65, SpO2 89% on room air, weight is 99 lbs. He complains of chest pain 8/10. He is diagnosed with active tuberculosis (TB). Discuss 3 priorities for nursing care...

A patient is admitted to hospital with organophosphate poisoning. Their symptoms include difficulty breathing and a...

A patient is admitted to hospital with organophosphate poisoning. Their symptoms include difficulty breathing and a low heart rate. a) Describe the mechanism of action of this poison. b) Explain why the patient has these symptoms, and identify the receptors and second messengers that are involved. c) Identify a drug that could be used to treat organophosphate poisoning, and explain why this treatment would be effective. d) What would happen if a patient with organophosphate poisoning was given rocuronium? Explain...

Jane Doe presents to the ER via the ambulance. She is using accessory muscle breathing while...

Jane Doe presents to the ER via the ambulance. She is using accessory muscle breathing while talking to the nurse. She states that she gets like this sometimes when she sleeps to long. Patient states she has a history of diabetes, sleep apnea and asthma. Jane is morbidly obese an maintaining an oxygen saturation of 90% on a non rebreather, HR 118, BP 141/76. When she speaks her oxygen goes down into the 80's. Jane can not complete a sentence...

Case study Alana is entering the end-of-life stage. She often has difficulty breathing. She likes Mai...

Case study Alana is entering the end-of-life stage. She often has difficulty breathing. She likes Mai to stroke her arm and apply massage oil. One morning she whispers to Mai that she doesn’t have the energy to see her friends and extended family anymore. She asks if Mai can tell them that she loves them, but she can’t see them anymore. As Mai is helping her out of bed, Alana says, ‘I don’t think I can have a shower today’....

A patient comes to the ER with an increased heart rate and dilated pupils. Explain which...

A patient comes to the ER with an increased heart rate and dilated pupils. Explain which part of the autonomic nervous system is being activated. Discuss what other symptoms the patient may experience and which drugs could cause this effect

1. A elderly patient comes into the ER complaining of repeated episodes of fainting (syncope). The...

1. A elderly patient comes into the ER complaining of repeated episodes of fainting (syncope). The Emergency Department physician admits the patient to the hospital. What type(s) of EKG do they order (e.g. diagnostic 12 lead, continuous) and why? 2. A 55yr old male comes into the ER with classic symptoms of myocardial infarction – chest pain, sweating, and shortness of breath. The Emergency Department physican admits the patient to the hospital. What type(s) of EKG do they order (e.g....

A 25-year-old woman has a 2-month history of difficulty in breathing and extreme fatigue. She has...

A 25-year-old woman has a 2-month history of difficulty in breathing and extreme fatigue. She has been on a “fad” diet for the past 6 months. Physical examination revealed no enlargement of the spleen or liver. Laboratory data are: Hemoglobin: 6.0 g/dL Hematocrit: 18% White cell count: 3.3 × 109/L White cell differential: Neutrophils: 10% Lymphocytes: 80% Monocytes: 10% Eosinophils, basophils: 0% Red cell count: 2.00 × 1012/L RDW: 12 Reticulocyte count: 0.6% Questions: 1. This patient’s MCV is ___...

A patient comes to your ER very confused, he doesn't speak English and has no insurance....

A patient comes to your ER very confused, he doesn't speak English and has no insurance. Initial blood work comes back showing some of his blood chemistry is at extremely high levels - he is in kidney failure, needs dialysis and you suspect he has been off and on hemodialysis for several years. As a hospital, you realize this patient is likely to have a long and expensive stay. Can you refer him to the outpatient dialysis unit down the...

Question