Chest/thorax Trauma Flashcards
Why do rib fractures have the potential to cause respiratory failure?
Due to compromised breathing mechanics
What is flail chest
When multiple adjacent ribs are fractured leading to paradoxical movement
How does paradoxical movement occur
The affected section moves inward during inhalation and outward during exhalation
What can be consequences with having flail chest?
- V/Q mismatch (bad ventilations = poor gas exchange)
- atelectasis
What is primary spontaneous pneumothorax?
A pneumothorax that occurs in individuals without any underlying lung disease (skinny mini)
What is secondary spontaneous pneumothorax?
Associated with pre existing lung conditions
What is the patho behind a pneumothorax?
- normal pleural pressure is negative keeping the lungs inflated
- if pleural pressure becomes equal with atmospheric pressure the lung can collapse
What are signs of a tension pneumothorax?
- severe respiratory distress
- mediastinal shift
- hypotension (due to decreased venous return)
- tracheal deviation
What type of shock can a tension pneumothorax cause?
Obstructive shock
Crackles can be heard with hemothorax patients. although less common what is something to note about these sounds?
They are gravity dependent like the ones heard in ACPE patients
Why is JVD present during a tension pneumothorax?
Because there is an increased intrathoracic pressure which prevent blood from draining efficiently from the head and neck
What are potential complications itch penetrating chest trauma
- hemorrhagic shock
- pericardial tamponade
- tension pneumo
- hemothorax
What is becks triad?
A classic sign of pericardial tamponade or tension pneumo
- hypotension
- JVD
- muffled heart sounds
What is the consequence of pericardial tamponade
- the fluid accumulation impairs diastolic filling and restricts the heart from expanding during filling, reducing cardiac output
What is the treatment for pericardial tamponade?
Pericardiocenthesis
