Tracheal Deviation
August 13th, 2017
Overview
How to Elicit
- Inspect the trachea and palpate gently, to identify deviation to either side.
Causes of Tracheal Deviation
- Volume loss - lobectomy, pneumonectomy, significant atelectasis
- Volume expansion - tension pneumothorax, large pleural effusion
Interpretation
- Tracheal deviation toward the affected side - occurs due to volume loss
- Tracheal deviation away from the affected side - occurs due to volume expansion
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