Thoracic Trauma Flashcards
How many vertebrae are in the thoracic region?
12
Where does the diaphragm rise in an individual who is lying down or who has just completed exhalation?
Up to the nipple line
If a patent injures their spinal cord at C5 or below, what could happen?
They lose their ability to innervate their intercostal muscles but can still breath.
If a patient injures their spinal cord at C3 or above what can happen?
Completely lose their ability to breath spontaneously
What is pleuritic pain?
Irritation or damage to the plural surfaces that causes a “sharp” or “stabbing” pain with each breath
What is hemoptysis?
Spitting or coughing up blood
What does hemoptysis indicate?
Damage to the lung parenchyma or air passages leading to lungs
What is a cardiac tamponade?
Accumulation of fluid in the pericardium
What is a pericardiocentesis?
Procedure where fluid is aspirated from the pericardium
How much blood can the lungs hold?
1500 mL
How much blood can the chest cavity hold?
2000-3000 mL of blood
What is pulmonary contusion?
Bruising of the lung.
What are three physical mechanisms for creating a pulmonary contusion?
Implosion effect
Inertial effect
Spalding effect
What is the implosion effect of pulmonary contusions?
Overexpansion of air in lungs after trauma which results in rapid, excessive stretching and tearing of the alveoli
What is the inertial effect regarding pulmonary confusions?
Strips alveoli from the heavier bronchial structures when accelerated at varying rates by a concussive wave