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StatPearls, LLC

  • Decompression
  • Heart Arrest
  • Needles
  • Pneumothorax
  • Thoracostomy

Tension Pneumothorax

Tension pneumothorax represents a life-threatening condition marked by intrapleural air accumulation under pressure, causing lung collapse and mediastinal shift. Causes include penetrating or blunt thoracic trauma, barotrauma from mechanical ventilation, or iatrogenic injury. A 1-way valve mechanism allows air entry during inspiration but blocks exit during expiration, escalating intrathoracic pressure. Clinical diagnosis hinges on signs like hypotension, unilateral breath sounds, distended neck veins, and tracheal deviation. Immediate management involves needle decompression followed by tube thoracostomy to restore lung expansion and alleviate hemodynamic compromise. Complications, such as cardiac arrest, recurrent tension physiology, or pulmonary injury, arise without prompt intervention. Timely recognition and treatment correlate with improved outcomes, whereas delays increase risks of significant morbidity or mortality. This educational activity enhances healthcare professionals competence in evaluating and managing tension pneumothorax. Participants gain comprehensive knowledge of its etiologies, risk factors, pathophysiology, and clinical presentation. The course emphasizes evidence-based diagnostic techniques and therapeutic interventions, including needle decompression and tube thoracostomy. Collaboration with interprofessional teams, including emergency clinicians, nurses, and respiratory therapists, improves patient outcomes by ensuring rapid diagnosis, coordinated intervention, and effective post-treatment care, reducing complications and enhancing recovery.

Credit & MOC Details

Credit information is provided by the course provider. We recommend confirming credit eligibility with the provider or your licensing board before starting the activity.

Credit types

AAPA Category 1 Credit™Up to 1.5 creditsAMA PRA Category 1 Credit™Up to 1.5 creditsNursingUp to 1.5 creditsPharmacyUp to 1.5 credits

MOC types

ABS — Accredited CMEUp to 1.5 pointsABOS — Accredited CMEUp to 1.5 pointsABPATH — Lifelong LearningUp to 1.5 pointsABA — Lifelong LearningUp to 1.5 pointsABTS — Accredited CMEUp to 1.5 pointsABIM — Medical KnowledgeUp to 1.5 pointsABS — Self-AssessmentUp to 1.5 pointsABP — Lifelong Learning and Self-AssessmentUp to 1.5 pointsABTS — Self-AssessmentUp to 1.5 points

FDA REMS

No

Qualifies for MIPS

No

Target Specialties

Cross-Specialty

Relevant across 11 specialties.

Pricing

Fee varies

This provider typically $49–98

See fees on statpearls.com

Listed by the provider

  • Article / monograph / reference
  • Credit · Up to 1.5 credits
  • MOC · Up to 1.5 points
  • Fee varies · this provider typically $49–98
  • Released
    Sep 1, 2026
  • Last day to claim credit
    Sep 1, 2029 3 years left

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