A patient has a pneumothorax, what kind of pressure is lost in the chest cavity?

Prepare for the Paramedic Exam. Explore comprehensive study guides with multiple choice questions, hints, and explanations to enhance learning. Ace your test with confidence!

Multiple Choice

A patient has a pneumothorax, what kind of pressure is lost in the chest cavity?

Explanation:
Intrapleural pressure in the pleural space is normally negative, which keeps the lung stretched and attached to the chest wall. A pneumothorax allows air to enter that space, so the intrapleural pressure becomes less negative or even positive, eliminating that suction. With the negative pressure lost, the lung collapses or partially collapses. So the pressure being lost is the negative intrapleural pressure.

Intrapleural pressure in the pleural space is normally negative, which keeps the lung stretched and attached to the chest wall. A pneumothorax allows air to enter that space, so the intrapleural pressure becomes less negative or even positive, eliminating that suction. With the negative pressure lost, the lung collapses or partially collapses. So the pressure being lost is the negative intrapleural pressure.

Subscribe

Get the latest from Examzify

You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our privacy policy