Thoracic Tramua Flashcards
What are the bone sets in the thorax?
Clavicles, scapula, ribs (10 attached to sternum and 2 floating).
What are the organs of the thorax?
Heart, trachea, bronchi, lungs, mediastinum (cavity between lungs), major blood vessels.
What is the visceral pleura?
Membrane attached to surface of lung.
What is the parietal pleura?
Membrane attached to surface of chest wall.
What is pleural fluid?
Lubricating fluid between visceral and parietal pleura.
What should be assumed about a wound at the fourth intercostal space?
It should be assumed as an abdominal injury as well as a thoracic one.
How much blood can fill on each side for a hemothorax?
1.5 liters
What causes a pneumothorax?
Penetrating or blunt trauma.
What is a tension pneumothorax?
A pneumothorax where air can only get in the pleural space.
What are respiratory signs of a chest injury?
Tachypnea, bradypnea, labored breathing, retractions, hemoptysis (coughing blood), short sentences, agitation or air hunger.
What are signs to the skin indicative of a chest injury?
Diaphoresis (sweating), pallor, cyanosis.
What are signs to the neck indicative of a chest injury?
Trachea deviation, JVD, penetrating wounds.
What sized open wound can present with a sucking sound?
2/3 size of trachea.
What should you do if one wound is found?
Asses for multiple and exit wounds.
What are the first and second choices for chest seals?
First is vented, second is non-vented.
What should be done if respitory distress follows a occlusive dressing?
First burp the wound, then try NDC.
What position should a casualty unable to position themselves be transported in?
Injured side down.
What is the definitive treatment for a pneumothorax?
Chest tubes
How far should an occlusive dressing extend beyond all edges of the wound?
At least 2”
What is a complete collapse of the lung?
A tension pneumothorax.
What are signs/symptoms of a tension pneumothorax?
Respiratory distress, diminished/absent breathe sounds, anxiety/agitation, tachypnea, hypotension, JVD, decreased lung compliance, tracheal deviation.
What kind of intervention is NDC?
Temporary
How long can NDC be effective for?
4 hours
What size needle is needed for NDC?
10-14 gauge, 3.25 inches long.
What are the two sites for NDC?
Second intercostal space on the kid-clavicular line, or fifth intercostal space along the axillary line.
