Following placement of a central venous catheter, a mechanically ventilated child develops acute tachycardia, hypotension,...

Central venous catheter placementcan lead toiatrogenic pneumothorax, particularly on the side of the subclavian or internal jugular access. Signs of sudden desaturation, hypotension, and tachycardia suggesttension pneumothorax, which requiresemergent chest tube insertion.

“Following central line placement, sudden cardiorespiratory compromise should prompt evaluation for pneumothorax. Treatment is immediate decompression and chest tube placement.”

(Referenced from CCRN Pediatric – Direct Care: Pulmonary, Air Leak Syndromes and Ventilator Complications)