Trauma Flashcards
Arterial Air Embolism
Air bubbles in the arterial blood vessels
Cavitation
The formation of a temporary or permanent cavity in body tissues due to a high-speed penetrating object, like a bullet
Coup-Contrecoup Brain Injury
A brain injury where the force of impact causes damage at both the site of impact (coup) and the opposite side of the brain (contrecoup) due to rapid movement inside the skull.
Contusion
Bruise from an injury that causes bleeding underneath the skin, without breaking the skin.
Ecchymosis
Buildup of blood under the skin, blue or black discoloration.
Epistaxis
A nosebleed.
Hematemesis
Vomited blood
Hematuria
Blood in the urine
Hemophilia
A hereditary condition: patient lacks one or more of the blood’s normal clotting factors.
Hemoptysis
Coughing up blood
Avulsion
A soft tissue injury: tissue completely torn or hanging as a flap.
Compartment Syndrome
Swelling in a confined space that produces dangerous pressure, may cut off blood flow or damage tissue.
Crush Syndrome
A life-threatening condition caused by prolonged compression of muscle tissue, leading to the release of toxins into the bloodstream when pressure is relieved.
Evisceration
The displacement of organs outside the body.
Fascia
Fiber-like connective tissue that covers arteries, veins, tendons and ligaments.
Anterograde amnesia
Inability to remember events after an injury
Axial loading injuries
An injury caused by a force being applied along the spine, often leading to fractures or spinal cord damage.
Basilar Skull Fracture
A fracture at the base of the skull, often caused by significant head trauma. Signs: raccoon eyes, bruising behind ears.
Battle Sign
Bruising behind ear that may indicate a skull fracture.
Cerebral Edema
Swelling of the brain.
