Get ACLS Certified Today
Hs and Ts – Tension Pneumothorax Video
ACLS Certification Association videos have been peer-reviewed for medical accuracy by the ACA medical review board.
Video at a Glance
- Tension pneumothorax is one of the Hs and Ts and a reversible cause of cardiac arrest.
- It is caused by a hole in the lung, often due to PPV that allows air to escape into the thorax, compressing the vena cava and restricting blood return to the heart.
- The provider must know the signs and symptoms.
- Treatment is decompression of the pneumothorax using a needle into the chest, allowing air to escape.
- Within 15 seconds, the lung should expand, pulses should return, and the patient should improve.
More Free Resources to Keep You at Your Best
Editorial Note
ACLS Certification Association (ACA) uses only high-quality medical resources and peer-reviewed studies to support the facts within our articles. Explore our editorial process to learn how our content reflects clinical accuracy and the latest best practices in medicine. As an ACA Authorized Training Center, all content is reviewed for medical accuracy by the ACA Medical Review Board.