Which type of pneumothorax is considered life-threatening?
a. spontaneous c. open
b. tension d. closed
B
Pneumothorax results from accumulation of gas or air in the pleural space as a result of an interruption in pleural integrity, creating compression of lung tissue. In a closed pneumothorax, there is no communication between the pleura and the external environment, such as may occur from blunt trauma to the chest; this situation is reversed in an open pneumothorax. In a spontaneous pneumothorax, there is no obvious underlying cause of lung collapse. When air enters the pleural space on inspiration but is unable to exit on expiration, a tension pneumothorax exists; this condition is life-threatening. Blood within the pleural space is known as hemothorax, and if air accompanies the blood, it is called hemopneumothorax; this condition may occur with trauma or surgery.
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