Paged out emergent for a male experiencing chest pain with difficulty breathing.
Call Details
Patient was picked up complaining of 10 out 10 chest pain in the center of his chest. Patient described it as sharp pain. He also complained of being short of breath and having difficulty breathing. Vitals were within normal limits and 3-Lead cardiac monitor showed no ST Elivation in leads I II and III. A twelve lead was no done since the ambulance was in motion. Patient was also very diaphoretic. Patient was given 325mg of Aspirin per protocol with no releif. Although signs were pointing to a possible MI, breath sounds stated otherwise. Breath sounds were diminished on the left side and full on the right. At this time it was beleived not to be cardiac but rather respiratory. At this time I am thinking this patient is suffering from a pneumothorax. This was later confirmed by the emergency department. When evaluating the patient about his medical history, the patient left out that he has a history of pneumothoraxes. He did however mention this to the hospital.
My Diagnosis
Pneumothorax
Hospital Diagnosis
Three Percent Pneumothorax
Post Call.
Following the call I feel it is necessary to encourage patients to give a full medical history rather than just what they feel is pertaint. Also it is necessary to always listen to breath sounds and keep all possibilities of the pain. Although a pneumothorax is rare in the field, it is not impossible.
