Other Potentially Life-Threatening Injuries Related to the Chest

Question 1

in case of a Penetrating Neck Trauma,

What you should not do?

Answer 1

• do not explore penetrating neck wounds except in the OR
• Clamp structures (can damage nerves)
• Probe
• Insert NG tube (leads to bleeding)
• Remove weapon/impaled object

Question 2

Penetrating Neck Trauma management.

-
or _______

Answer 2

injuries deep to platysma require further evaluation by angiography, contrast CT, or surgery

Question 3

Larynx Injuries history

Answer 3

: strangulation, direct blow, blunt trauma, any penetrating injury involving platysma

Question 4

Larynx Injuries triad

Answer 4

hoarseness, subcutaneous emphysema, palpable fracture

Question 5

Larynx Injuries ■ other symptoms

Answer 5

: hemoptysis, dyspnea, dysphonia

Question 6

Larynx Injuries investigations

Answer 6

CXR, CT scan, arteriography (if penetrating)

Question 7

Larynx Injuries management

Answer 7

◆ airway: manage early because of edema
◆ C-spine may also be injured, consider mechanism of injury
◆ surgical: tracheotomy vs. repair

Question 8

trachea/bronchus Injuries history

Answer 8

■ frequently missed. : deceleration, penetration, increased intra-thoracic pressure, complaints of dyspnea, hemoptysis

Question 9

trachea/bronchus Injuries examination

Answer 9

: subcutaneous air, Hamman’s sign (crunching sound synchronous with heart beat)

Question 10

trachea/bronchus Injuries CXR

Answer 10

mediastinal air, persistent pneumothorax or persistent air leak after chest tube inserted for
pneumothorax

Question 11

trachea/bronchus Injuries management

Answer 11

◆ surgical repair if >1/3 circumference