Pneumothorax Nursing Care Plan

Pneumothorax can be atraumatic or traumatic. Traumatic pneumothorax occurs due to a penetrating chest injury. On the other hand, atraumatic pneumothorax occurs without any apparent injury or trauma to the chest. Its two subtypes included primary and secondary spontaneous pneumothorax.

Primary spontaneous pneumothorax occurs in individuals without known lung issues, often due to air leaking from congenital blebs or cysts. Secondary spontaneous pneumothorax arises from underlying lung diseases, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), emphysema, or asthma, which increase the risk of lung collapse. Another form, iatrogenic pneumothorax, results from medical procedures like chest surgeries or biopsies that allow air to leak into the pleural space.

The treatment plan for pneumothorax often involves chest tube insertion to evacuate air from the pleural space, re-expand the lung, and prevent recurrence. In severe cases of tension pneumothorax, needle decompression may be necessary as an emergency measure.

It means fully inflating the lungs for effective oxygen exchange. Proper patient positioning encourages better lung expansion, reduces breathing effort, and supports recovery.

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