Ch 26, Soft Tissue Injury Flashcards
Closed Injuries
Soft tissue damage occurs beneath the skin or mucous membrane
Open injuries
Break in the surface skin or mucous membrane
Burns
Soft tissue damage is from thermal heat, frictional heat, toxic chemicals, electricity, or radiation
Primary Blast Injury
Caused by the blast wave itself
Secondary blast injury
Caused by flying debris propelled by the force of the blast
Tertiary blast injury
Injuries to the body from being thrown by the force of the explosion
Contusion
Bruise, causes bleeding under the skin without breaking the skin.
Ecchymosis
Coloration of the bruse. Blue/black
Crushing injury
When body is put under significant force. The damage depends on how long it is under that force
Crush syndrome
Area of body is trapped longer than 4 hours, arterial blood flow is compromised
What does ALS do before removing the object crushing the patient and why?
Administer an IV. So harmful byproducts of cell death are less harmful when circulation is returned.
Compartment syndrome
Edema and swelling within a closed soft tissue compartment. Can interfere with circulation. Can lead to renal failure and death. Relieved by performance of a Fasciotomy (a surgical procedure where the fascia is cut to relieve tension or pressure). Common in crush injuries
Contamination
Presence of infectious organisms or foreign bodies in the wound
Four types of open, soft tissue wounds
Abrasions
Lacerations
Avulsions
Penetrating
3 rules for an impaled object
- Do not move or remove UNLESS it is causing airway obstruction OR you need to do CPR and it is in the chest blocking you from doing so.
- Remove clothing covering the injury. Control bleeding with bulky dressings and surround the object with them (stabilize it)
- Protect object from being moved during transport
Avulsion
Injury in which the soft tissue is torn completely loose or is hanging as a flap
Contact burn
Burn caused by direct contact with a hot object
Dermis
Inner layer of skin containing hair follicles, sweat glands, nerve endings and blood vessels
Epidermis
Outer layer of skin that acts as a watertight protective covering
Evisceration
The displacement of organs outside of the body – do not touch or attempt to replace in the body, instead cover with a large moist dressing (no 4x4s)
Excited delirium
Serious behavioral condition in which a person exhibits agitated behavior combined with disorientation, hallucinations or delusions, also called agitated delirium or exhaustive mania
Fascia
The fiberlike connective tissue that covers arteries, veins, tentons and ligaments
Flame burn
Burn caused by an open flame
Flash burn
Burn caused by exposure to very intense heat such as in an explosion