Lecture 11 - Pelvic, Abdominal, & Thoracic Region Injuries

Question 1

What is the function of the Kidney? What is the MOI?

Answer 1

• functions in removal of waste products
  from blood; initiates excursion to urinary bladder
• The most common mechanism of injury is a blow to the back

Question 2

What are the signs & symptoms of a kidney injury?

Answer 2

• Spasms of back musculature & severe pain
• Signs and symptoms of shock
• Haematuria (blood in urine - tell tale sign)
• Shock

Question 3

What is the function of the spleen? What is the MOI?

Answer 3

• Produces red blood cells & white blood cells & has a lymphatic function
• caused by a direct blow & may cause a rupture of the organ resulting in severe internal bleeding
• Highly susceptible to injury when person has mononucleosis.

Question 4

What are the signs & symptoms of a spleen injury?

Answer 4

• Abdominal Rigidity
• Nausea
• Kehr’s sign - pain referred to lower L chest
  and shoulder area. One third down the left
  arm
• This is an emergency situation referral & immediate transfer to a hospital is necessary

Question 5

What is the MOI of a bladder injury?

Answer 5

• Lies low in the pelvic area very superficially
• Greatest susceptibility when organ is full & distended
• Injury may be associated with fractured pelvis

Question 6

What are the signs & symptoms of a bladder injury?

Answer 6

• Person will feel as if they have to urinate but will not be able to
• When person does eventually urinate, they
  may note blood in the urine
• Periodic checks for 48 hours ie. bleeding
  can occur for this long (if high in urinary
  tract, it will take this long to come down)

Question 7

What is the MOI of male genitalia injuries?

Answer 7

• a direct blow
• causes testicular spasms, as well as lower abdomen & pelvic pain

Question 8

What is the treatment of male genitalia injuries?

Answer 8

• Do not pump legs or lift & drop
  the athlete as There may be an associated pelvic fracture
• have athlete laying on his back with hips flexed, high towards chest, Help athlete hold this position until spasm decreases

May use ice compress after for relief of symptoms

Question 9

What is the MOI of thorax injuries?

Answer 9

• Direct blow (ie. from football helmet or
  hitting the ground)
• Indirect blow (ie. A blow to the front of the
  chest as in falling with a football under the arm & against the anterior chest wall causes a fracture on the posterior ribs
• most common injury are broken ribs

Question 10

What are 3 complications with rib fractures ?

Answer 10

• pneumothorax
• haemothorax
• flail chest
• call 911 if any of these occur

Question 11

What is pneumothorax?

Answer 11

• when the pleural cavity has been punctured & air escapes causing the lung to collapse

Question 12

What is haemothorax?

Answer 12

• a punctured lung where blood fills the pleural cavity & lung
• can lead to respiratory failure

Question 13

What is flail chest?

Answer 13

• when 3 or more ribs fracture in more than one place & results in a paradox in breathing
• the flail segment moves opposite to the rest of the rib cage during inspiration & expiration

Question 14

What is a heart contusion?

Answer 14

• seen commonly in collision sports
• occurs from a violent chest blow which forces the sternum back & it hits the heart
• This may result in irregular heart beat
• This is a medical emergency Call 911