Pneumothorax Health Article

BOOKS

Light, Richard. "Disorders of the Pleura, Mediastinum, and Diaphragm." In Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine, ed. Anthony S. Fauci, et al. New York: McGraw-Hill, 1997.

ORGANIZATIONS

American Association for Respiratory Care. 11030 Ables Lane, Dallas, TX 75229. (972) 243-2272. <http://www.aarc.org>.

American Lung Association. 1740 Broadway, New York, NY 10019. (800) 586-4872. <http://www.lungusa.org>.

OTHER

"Collapsed Lung: Non-Injury-Related." InteliHealth Page. 19 June 1998 <http://www.intelihealth.com>.

"Spontaneous Pneumothorax." HealthAnswers.com. <http://www.healthanswers.com>.

Lorraine Steefel, RN

KEY TERMS

Electrocardiagram—A test that provides a typical record of normal heart action.

Mediastinum—The space between the right and left lung.

Pleural—Pleural refers to the pleura or membrane that enfolds the lungs.

Thoracentesis—Also called a pleural fluid tap, this procedure involves aspiration of fluid from the pleural space using a long, thin needle inserted between the ribs.