Hemothorax

Hemothorax is a buildup of blood in the pleural space or thoracic cavity.

Cause

• Injury to the lungs or heart caused by a broken rib, laceration, penetrating trauma to the major cardiac vessels, or pulmonary injury.
• A laceration or chest operation.
• Slipping from a large, lit vessel.
• Infection-related pulmonary tissue and vascular erosion.
• Cancer or a pulmonary infarction.

Clinical Feature

• Chest pain
• Cyanosis.
• Higher pulse rate
• Dyspnea.
• Percussion over the affected area is dull.
• Pallor, shock.
• Low BP.
• Faster breathing rate.
• Absence of a chest sound.

Pathophysiology

Almost any disruption of the tissues of the chest wall, pleura, or intrathoracic structures can result in bleeding into the pleural space. Hemodynamic and respiratory symptoms are the two main manifestations of the body's physiological reaction to the emergence of a hemothorax.

Diagnosis

• Observation, history, and physical examination
• Chest x-ray
• Blood test

Nursing Management

• Maintain a comfortable position for the client.
• Iv therapy will begin as recommended by oxygen therapy
• Prepare and help implant the catheter for the drainage chest tube.
• Send blood for CBC and ABG testing, cross-matching, and blood grouping.
• strict surveillance of vital signs.
• Get ready for a mechanical ventilation system, an ET tube insertion equipment, and an emergency cart. The patient's state will determine how everything is prepared.
• Keep strict track of the amount of blood that drains out and report it right away if it increases.
• Prepare the client for an emergency thoracotomy if the patient does not respond to chest drainage suction and there is ongoing bleeding.
• Insert a CVP line for observation to ensure proper monitoring and to avoid pulmonary edema and hypovolemic shock.

References

• emedicine.medscape.com/article/2047916-overview

• Mandal, G. (August 2013). A Textbook of Adult Health Nursing (2nd ed.). Dilllibazar kathmandu: Makalu publication house. Retrieved August 2013

• https://es.scribd.com/document/263134343/Hemothorax-Medscape