Tissues at Risk Flashcards
What organs are most susceptible to pressure changes due to blast injuries?
Hollow organs such as the middle ear, lungs, and gastrointestinal tract
Junctions between tissues of different densities and exposed tissues like head and neck are also prone to injury.
Which organ system is most sensitive to blast injuries?
The ear
Patients may report symptoms such as ringing or pain in the ears and possible hearing loss.
What are the primary pulmonary blast injuries?
Contusions and hemorrhages
These occur due to the effects of blast waves on lung tissues.
In what situation is a patient’s injury more likely to be bilateral?
When the patient is in a confined space
In open spaces, typically only the side toward the explosion is injured.
What symptoms might a patient exhibit following a blast injury to the chest?
Tightness or pain in the chest, coughing up blood, tachypnea, and respiratory distress
Subcutaneous emphysema may also be palpated, indicating pneumothorax.
What is pneumothorax, and when might it require emergency intervention?
A condition where air is trapped under the skin; it may require emergency decompression if there are signs of severe respiratory distress or hemodynamic compromise
Commonly associated with blast injuries.
How are solid organs affected compared to hollow organs during a blast?
Solid organs are relatively protected from shockwave injury but may be injured by secondary missiles; hollow organs may be injured similarly to lung tissue
This highlights the differing vulnerabilities of organ types.
What are petechiae?
Pinpoint hemorrhages that show up on the skin
They can range from small spots to large hematomas as visible signs of injury.
According to the CDC, what is the most common cause of death from blast injury?
Blast lung
This is a critical factor in fatalities following blast incidents.
What are common causes of fatality from blast injury besides blast lung?
Neurologic injuries and head trauma
Subarachnoid and subdural hematomas are often observed.
What types of neurologic deficits can occur from blast injuries?
Permanent or transient neurologic deficits due to concussion, intracerebral bleeding, or air embolism
Instant but transient unconsciousness may also occur.
What cardiovascular problems can occur after an intense pressure wave from an explosion?
Bradycardia and hypotension
These can complicate the patient’s condition following a blast injury.
What type of extremity injuries are common in blast injuries?
Traumatic amputations
Patients may die of massive hemorrhage without rapid application of a tourniquet.
