RT Book, Section A1 Doherty, Gerard M. SR Print(0) ID 58097821 T1 Pleural Space Trauma T2 Quick Answers Surgery YR 2010 FD 2010 PB The McGraw-Hill Companies PP New York, NY SN LK accesssurgery.mhmedical.com/content.aspx?aid=58097821 RD 2024/10/04 AB • Hemothorax is classified by the amount of blood -Minimal 1500 mL• The rate of bleeding after evacuation of the hemothorax is more important than the initial return of blood on placement of the chest tube• Hemothorax should be suspected with penetrating or severe blunt thoracic injury• In 85% of cases, tube thoracostomy is all the treatment necessary• Pneumothorax occurs with laceration of the lung or chest wall following penetrating or blunt trauma• Tension pneumothorax develops when a flap-valve leak allows air to enter the pleural space but not exit• Increasing intrapleural pressure interferes with venous return and must be immediately relieved