Ch 29 Chest Injuries Flashcards
Cardiac Tamponade (pericardial tamponade)
Compression of the heart as a result of buildup of blood or other fluid in the pericardial sac, leading to decreased cardiac output
Closed chest injury
Injury to the chest in which the skin is not broken; usually caused by blunt force trauma
Commotio Cordis
A blunt chest injury caused by a sudden, direct blow to the chest that occurs only during the critical portion of a person’s heartbeat
Crepitus
A grating or grinding sensation caused by fractured bone ends or joints rubbing together
Flail chest
Condition where three or more ribs are fractured in two or more places or in association with a fracture of the sternum so that a segment of the chest wall is effectively detached from the rest of the thoracic cage
Flutter valve
A one-way valve that allows air to leave the chest cavity but not return’ formed by taping three sides of an occlusive dressing to the chest wall, leaving the fourth side open as a valve; may also be part of a commercial vented occlusive dressing
Hemopneumothorax
The accumulation of blood and air in the pleural space of the chest
Hemothorax
A collection of blood in the pleural cavity
Myocardial contusion
Bruising of the heart muscles
Occlusive dressing
An airtight dressing that protects a wound from air and bacteria. Unvented versions may be made of petroleum (vaseline) gauze, aluminum foil, or plastic
Open chest injury
An injury to the chest in which the chest wall itself is penetrated by a fractured rib, or more frequently, an external object such as a bullet or a knife
Open pneumothorax
Sucking chest wound; An open or penetrating chest wall wound through which air passes during inspiration and expiration, creating a sucking sound.
Paradoxical motion
The motion of the portion of the chest wall that is detached in a flail chest; the motion - in during inhalation, out during exhalation - is exactly opposite of normal breathing motion
Pericardium
The fiberous sac that surrounds the heart
Pneumothorax
An accumulation of air or gas in the pleural cavity
Pulmonary contusion
Injury or bruising of the lung tissue that may result in hemorrhage
Simple pneumothorax
Is free from significant physiologic changes and does not cause drastic changes in the vital signs of the patient
Spontaneous pneumothorax
Occurs when a weak area on the lung ruptures in the absence of major injury, allowing air to leak into the pleural space
Sucking chest wound
An open or penetrating chest wall wound through which air passes (Open Pneumothorax)
Tachypnea
Rapid respirations
Tension pneumothorax
Accumulation of air or gas in the pleural cavity that progressively increases pressure in the chest and interferes with cardiac function with potentially fatal results
Traumatic asphyxia
A pattern of injuries seen after a severe force is applied to the chest, forcing blood from the great vessels back into the head and neck
Subcutaneous emphysema
Air trapped under skin, either by lung damage or airway damage
