At what anatomic position should an 18-gauge IV catheter be placed to relieve a tension pneumothorax?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

An 18-gauge IV catheter should be placed just superior to the second rib to relieve a tension pneumothorax. This location is in the midclavicular line, and the needle should be inserted at a 90-degree angle to the chest wall, aiming towards the opposite shoulder. Inserting the needle too high (just superior to the first rib) may result in injury to the subclavian artery or vein, while inserting the needle too low (just inferior to the third or fourth rib) may result in injury to the lung or diaphragm.

At What Anatomic Position Should an 18-Gauge IV Catheter Be