The purpose of this paper is to provide a broad overview of pneumothorax as it relates to nursing practice. The paper first defines the condition and briefly presents a history of the disorder. This is followed by an examination of the impact of pneumothorax on the science of nursing as well as a discussion of the role of the nurse in caring for the patient with this condition. The impact of pneumothorax on society is also examined. The final section of the paper presents an evaluation of the condition in relation to medical practice in general and nursing practice in particular.
Pneumothorax: Definition and History
When free air collects in the chest outside the lung thereby causing the lung to collapse, the condition is referred to as pneumothorax (Currie & associates, 2007). Noppen and De Keukeleire (2008) state that there are various classifications of Pneumothorax. The first classification is traumatic pneumothorax, which occurs due to traumatic injury of various types.
Noppen and De Keukeleire (2008) report that the second classification is iatrogenic pneumothorax, which typically occurs during a procedure such as subclavian central line insertion. The third classification is spontaneous pneumothorax, which tends to be either idiopathic or related to a disease. There is also tension pneumothorax, which occurs due to a progressive deterioration or worsening of a traumatic, iatrogentic, or spontaneous pneumothorax.
Regarding the history of pneumothorax, McClintick (2008) notes that cases of the condition have been documented as early as 326 BC. However, it is pointed out that a strong understanding of both the condition and its treatment has only developed in the last 50 years. This is primarily due to improvements in surgical techniques, more complete knowledge of cardiopulmonary dynamics, and advances in ventilatory support.
Impact of Pneumothorax on Science of Nursing and Role of the Nurse
Th...