How should tension pneumothorax be treated?
The most immediate goal in the treatment of tension pneumothorax is to alleviate the increased intrapleural pressure. This is most quickly accomplished by performing thoracocentesis using a 20 g needle in the 7th or 8th intercostal space. Once the pleural space has been evacuated, if pneumothorax recurs or is persistent, a tube thoracostomy should be performed. Chest tap setup with 60 ml syringe, 3-way stopcock, IV extension tube, and 20 gauge 1″ needle.
