What are the potential complications of a tension pneumothorax that I should be aware of during initial assessment and management?

During the initial assessment and management of a tension pneumothorax, clinicians should be aware of its potential for severe, life-threatening complications NICE NG39, Kaneda et al. 2013. As a critical component of major trauma assessment and initial management, a tension pneumothorax requires urgent attention to prevent adverse outcomes NICE NG39. The need for a structured approach to pneumothorax management, as discussed in medical literature, further highlights the serious nature of this condition and the risks associated with inadequate or delayed intervention Kaneda et al. 2013.