Ch 29 Chest Injuries

Question 1

Cardiac Tamponade (pericardial tamponade)

Answer 1

Compression of the heart as a result of buildup of blood or other fluid in the pericardial sac, leading to decreased cardiac output

Question 2

Closed chest injury

Answer 2

Injury to the chest in which the skin is not broken; usually caused by blunt force trauma

Question 3

Commotio Cordis

Answer 3

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

Question 4

Crepitus

Answer 4

A grating or grinding sensation caused by fractured bone ends or joints rubbing together

Question 5

Flail chest

Answer 5

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

Question 6

Flutter valve

Answer 6

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

Question 7

Hemopneumothorax

Answer 7

The accumulation of blood and air in the pleural space of the chest

Question 8

Hemothorax

Answer 8

A collection of blood in the pleural cavity

Question 9

Myocardial contusion

Answer 9

Bruising of the heart muscles

Question 10

Occlusive dressing

Answer 10

An airtight dressing that protects a wound from air and bacteria. Unvented versions may be made of petroleum (vaseline) gauze, aluminum foil, or plastic

Question 11

Open chest injury

Answer 11

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

Question 12

Open pneumothorax

Answer 12

Sucking chest wound; An open or penetrating chest wall wound through which air passes during inspiration and expiration, creating a sucking sound.

Question 13

Paradoxical motion

Answer 13

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

Question 14

Pericardium

Answer 14

The fiberous sac that surrounds the heart

Question 15

Pneumothorax

Answer 15

An accumulation of air or gas in the pleural cavity

Question 16

Pulmonary contusion

Answer 16

Injury or bruising of the lung tissue that may result in hemorrhage

Question 17

Simple pneumothorax

Answer 17

Is free from significant physiologic changes and does not cause drastic changes in the vital signs of the patient

Question 18

Spontaneous pneumothorax

Answer 18

Occurs when a weak area on the lung ruptures in the absence of major injury, allowing air to leak into the pleural space

Question 19

Sucking chest wound

Answer 19

An open or penetrating chest wall wound through which air passes (Open Pneumothorax)

Question 20

Tachypnea

Answer 20

Rapid respirations

Question 21

Tension pneumothorax

Answer 21

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

Question 22

Traumatic asphyxia

Answer 22

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

Question 23

Subcutaneous emphysema

Answer 23

Air trapped under skin, either by lung damage or airway damage