Chest Trauma

Question 1

What kinds of chest trauma are there?

Answer 1

• Blunt Trauma

- Penetrating Trauma

Question 2

Main mechanisms of injury of trauma?

Answer 2

• Direct Impact
• Thoracic Compression
• Acceleration/Deceleration
• Blast (primary injury & secondary injury)

Question 3

Rib fractures 9 & 11 may be associated with?

Answer 3

Abdominal injury

Question 4

Ribs ___ and___ most common

Answer 4

5 and 9

Question 5

50% of patients with multiple rib #’s have associated complications such as

Answer 5

pneumothorax, cardiac or pulmonary contusion, flail chest, abdominal injury

Question 6

Pulmonary contusions are usually localised to the area of lung underlying the impact site but may also be caused by a

Answer 6

acceleration/deceleration injury

Question 7

The primary complications of pulmonary contusions are:

Answer 7

• Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome

- Pneumonia

Question 8

In severe cases with trauma what may be necessary?

Answer 8

Assisted or invasive ventilation

Question 9

The maintenance of ______ integrity is of key importance in trauma

Answer 9

Respiratory integrity

Question 10

Pulmonary Contusion results in

Answer 10

Interstitial oedema and haemorrhage resulting in widespread consolidation and reduced compliance

Increased WOB

Question 11

Management of Rib #’s?

Answer 11

• Pain Control (vital to maintain good pulmonary function)
• Early Mobilisation
• Effective supported coughing if required