Early diagnosis is key to optimum management. Most favorable outcome is obtained by following primary closure within 24 hours. Surgical consultation, most likely cardiothoracic, is mandatory for patients on an emergent basis. Analgesics - Pain control is essential to quality patient care. Ensures patient comfort, promotes pulmonary toilet, and enables physical therapy regimens.
Many analgesics have sedating properties that are beneficial to patients who have sustained trauma.
Morphine sulfate administered IV may be dosed in a number of ways, commonly titrated until desired effect is obtained. Antiemetics - Useful in treating symptomatic nausea and preventing further contamination of pleural space. May be responsible for relieving nausea and vomiting. Patients require intensive care unit because they are liable to become septic and have a prolonged and complicated hospital course. In the case of iatrogenic perforation, if the perforation is small, it may be managed conservatively.