Chapter 27 - Chest Injuries

Question 1

A rapid, irregular pulse following blunt trauma to the chest is MOST suggestive of a:
Select one:
A. ruptured aorta.
B. tension pneumothorax.
C. pericardial tamponade.
D. myocardial contusion.

Answer 1

D. myocardial contusion.

Question 2

Following a stab wound to the left anterior chest, a 25-year-old male presents with a decreased level of consciousness and signs of shock. Which of the following additional assessment findings should increase your index of suspicion for a cardiac tamponade?
Select one:
A. diminished breath sounds
B. engorged jugular veins
C. widening pulse pressure
D. a rapid, irregular pulse

Answer 2

B. engorged jugular veins

Question 3

If a person’s tidal volume decreases, but his or her respiratory rate remains unchanged:
Select one:
A. excess carbon dioxide will be eliminated.
B. minute volume will decrease.
C. minute volume will remain unchanged.
D. minute volume will increase.

Answer 3

B. minute volume will decrease.

Question 4

Pleural fluid is contained between the:
Select one:
A. visceral and parietal pleurae.
B. parietal pleura and the chest wall.
C. parietal pleura and the heart.
D. visceral pleura and the lung.

Answer 4

A. visceral and parietal pleurae.

Question 5

Signs and symptoms of a tension pneumothorax include all of the following, EXCEPT:
Select one:
A. bulging intercostal muscles.
B. collapsed jugular veins.
C. unilaterally absent breath sounds.
D. profound cyanosis.

Answer 5

B. collapsed jugular veins.

Question 6

The phrenic nerves control the diaphragm and exit the spinal cord at:
Select one:
A. C1 and C2.
B. C3 and C4.
C. C3, C4, and C5.
D. C1, C2, and C3.

Answer 6

C. C3, C4, and C5.

Question 7

The thoracic cavity is separated from the abdominal cavity by the:
Select one:
A. costovertebral angle.
B. diaphragm.
C. anterior rib cage.
D. intercostal margin.

Answer 7

B. diaphragm.