The therapist is assessing a newborn on the mechanical ventilator.The neonate shows clear signs of respiratory distress,and lung auscultation reveals shifting of the PMI towards the left and breath sounds decreased on the right.What should the therapist suspect this newborn developed?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Neonates with spontaneous pneumothorax are usually asymptomatic or have mild signs of tachypnea with an oxygen requirement.Occasionally,severe respiratory distress (grunting,nasal flaring,and intercostal retractions)may occur.In the ventilated neonate,pneumothorax may lead to a rapid clinical deterioration,resulting in cyanosis,hypotension,hypoxemia,hypercapnia,and respiratory acidosis.In unilateral pneumothorax,the cardiac apex can be shifted away from the affected side and breath sounds decreased over that side.

The Therapist Is Assessing a Newborn on the Mechanical Ventilator