A patient is diagnosed with a pneumothorax. The nurse realizes that unless this is treated, the patient is at risk for developing which of the following types of shock?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

A pneumothorax is a type of obstructive shock. It occurs when air enters the pleural cavity, causing pressure on the lung and impairing its ability to expand and fill with air, which can cause a decrease in cardiac output and oxygenation. This can lead to hypoxia, respiratory distress, and eventually shock. Immediate medical attention is needed to treat a pneumothorax to prevent the development of shock.

A Patient Is Diagnosed with a Pneumothorax