Section 4 Soft Tissue Injuries Flashcards
Name the soft tissues of the body
Skin
Fatty tissues
Muscles
Blood vessels
Connective tissues
Membranes
Glands
Amd nerves
What are the major functions of the skin
Protection
Water balance
Temp regulation
Excretion
Shock absorption
Nerve endings provide sensory (touch)
The 3 layers of the skin
Epidermis
Dermis
Subcutaneous layer
Explain water balance (skin)
Prevents water loss
Stops environmental water from entering
Helps preserve chemical balance 
Explain temp regulation (skin)
Blood vessels dilate to carry more blood to the skin allowing heat to radiate away from the body
These vessels constrict to prevent heat loss
Sweat glands produce perspiration which helps cool the body
Fat is a thermal insulator 
Explain excretion (skin)
Salt and excess water can be released through the skin
Explain shock absorption (skin)
The skin and its layers a Fat help protect the underlying organs for minor impacts and pressure
Epidermis
Outermost layer
Composed of dead skin cells
Does not contain blood vesssls or nerves
Dermis
2nd layer
Rich with blood vessels
Nerves
Sweat glands
Hair follicles
Nerve endings associated with touch (hot cold heat and pain)
Once the dermos is opened contamination and infection become major problems
Subcutaneous layer
Layers of fat and soft tissue
Shock absorption and insulation are major functions

Types of closed wounds
Contusions
Hematoma
Crush injury
Primary blast injury
A contusion
A bruise
Epidermis remains intact
Cells and blood vessels are damaged
Variable amount of internal bleeding
Pain swelling and discolouration at wound site ..which can occur suddenly or up to as long as 48 hrs
What is swelling?
Collection of blood under the skin and inflammation through fluid
What is inflammation?
Inflammation helps cushion the injury and dilutes toxins
What is a hematoma?
Blood collects at site of injury
Larger amount of tissue damage
Damage to larger vessels
More severe internal bleeding
Larger volume of blood beneath the skin (up to 1L)
Closed crush injury
Internal organs that have been crushed or ruptured causing internal bleeding
Bleed severely and cause shock
Contents of hollow organs (food or urine) can leak in to body cavities cause severe inflammation and tissue damage
Crush injury
Caused from force
Bones can be broken
Muscle nerve tissue damage
Internal bleeding
Sign….swelling or deformity at site of the bruise
Possible underlying fracture
Bruise on the head or neck
Possible cervical spine or brain injury
Injury to major blood vessels in neck
Search for blood in mouth nose ears
Bruise on trunk or signs of damage to ribs or sternum
Possible chest injury
Are the coughing red frothy sputum?
Possible punctured lung, assess for difficulty breathing
Listen for unequal air entry unusual breath sounds
Bruise on abdomen
Possible injury to underlying organs such as spleen liver or kidneys
What is an Abrasion?
Simple scrapes and scratches
Outer layer of skin is damaged
Can range in severity
Skinned elbows and knees
Road rash
Rug burn
Brush burn
Light bleeding
Plasma ooze
Painful
Infection opportunity is great
What is a laceration?
A cut
Smooth or jagged
Caused by object with sharp edge, razor, glass, metal
If significant blood vessels have been torn bleeding will be considerable
What is a puncture/penetrating wound?
Penetration of the skin
Bullets, nails, ice picks, knives
No severe bleeding but internal bleeding may be profuse
Can be devastating
Always consider it a serious injury
Contamination and infection rate is high
Exit wound may be more serious that entrance wound
