Pneumothorax as a Pathological Condition the Accumulation of Air in the Pleural Cavity Free Essay Example, 2500 words

The respiration normally occurs due to the maintenance of a pressure gradient between the pleural cavity and the alveoli. This pressure is disrupted due to the inbuilt pressure in the cavity because of the air. The pressure between the alveoli (lungs) and the cavity becomes equal and hence the pressure gradient does not exist for allowing the proper exchange of gases. Also, the muscles of the thoracic cavity function to increase the capacity of the cavity during inspiration and reduce the capacity of the cavity during expiration. Since the patient has flail chest and spasm of the muscles this movement is also led to. The increased pressure in the alveoli might also lead to the collapse of the alveoli and inhibit the oxygenation of the incoming blood. Since the expansion and the contraction of the cavity does not occur the lung also completely recoils and stops its optimal functioning and collapses. Thus the respiratory mechanisms are altered. The changes in pressure also lead to dif ferences in the exchange of gases between the blood and the alveoli. The lung at the aide of the injury collapses in such condition and the level of oxygenated blood also drops. We will write a custom essay sample on Pneumothorax as a Pathological Condition: the Accumulation of Air in the Pleural Cavity or any topic specifically for you Only $17.96 $11.86/pageorder now This leads to deterioration of the respiratory mechanisms in the patient (Sherwood, L. 2006). The patient had a flail chest as well as traumatic pneumothorax and he presented with all the signs and symptoms associated with it. His increased heart rate, difficulty in breathing was all supportive of this fact. The patient became disoriented and had altered levels of consciousness because of this condition as he eventually has most probably developed tension pneumothorax. This build-up of tension can eventually be fatal. Hence he was put on a mechanical ventilator. It is necessary to ensure that the mechanical ventilator is kept at low tidal volumes. This is because mechanical ventilation can lead to further damage to the lung as ventilator-associated lung injuries can occur. This happens because of the increase in the pressure build up which further aggravates the condition (Gajic et al 2004).