WestCoast EMT Chapter 32 Flashcards

Skeletal muscle is also called…

striated muscle. Attaches to bones (voluntary muscle) and often crosses at least one joint.

Acromioclavicular Joint

Location where a shoulder dislocation/separation can occur.

Fracture

A break in the continuity of the bone. Can be open or closed.

Types of Fractures

Comminuted- A fracture in which the bone is broken into more than two fragments.

Epiphyseal- A fracture that occurs in a growth section of a child’s bone and may lead to growth abnormalities.

Incomplete- A fracture that does not run completely through the bone.

• A Greenstick Fracture is a form of this. Incomplete break since only one side of a bone is broken while the other side is merely bent.

Oblique- A fracture in which the bone is broken at an angle across the bone.

Pathologic- A fracture of weakened or diseased bone generally produced by minimal force.

Spiral- a fracture caused by a twisting force, causing an oblique fracture around the bone and through the bone.

Transverse- a fracture that occurs straight across the bone.

Dislocation

A disruption of a joint in which the bone ends are no longer in contact. S/S: tenderness, swelling, marked deformities.

Sprain

Joint is twisted or stretched beyond its normal range of motion. Ligaments stretched or torn.

Strain

(Pulled muscle) is a stretching or tearing of the muscle causing pain, swelling, and bruising of the soft tissues in the area (often no joint damage).

To prevent contamination following an open fracture, you should…

brush away any obvious debris on the skin surrounding an open fracture before applying a dressing.

When a decision for rapid transport is made, you can use a backboard as a…

splinting device rather than splinting each extremity individually.

Splint

Flexible or rigid device that is used to protect and maintain the position of an injured extremity (for fractures, dislocations, and sprains).

General Principle Splinting

Remove clothing, cover open wounds with dry, sterile dressing, do not move patients before splinting. Pad all rigid splints, if encounter resistance splint in deformed position.

Formable Splints

Commonly the pre-contoured, inflatable, clear plastic air splint. Injuries below the elbow or below the knee.

Traction Splints

Primarily to secure fractures (closed, unilateral, mid-shaft fractures) of the shaft of the femur. Not for the humerus/upper extremity or involving the knee.

Pelvic Binder

Used to splint the bony pelvis to reduce hemorrhage (temporary stabilization).

Clavicle, Scapula, and Acromioclavicular (AC) Joint Injuries Treatment…

swing and swathe.

Shoulder Dislocation (Glenohumeral Joint) Treatment

Splint the joint in whatever position is most comfortable for the patient.

Humerus Treatment

With any severely angulated fracture, you should consider applying traction to realign the fracture fragments before splinting them. Splint the arm with a sling and swathe or rigid splint.

Elbow Injuries Types

Fracture of the distal humerus (damage to nearby vessels common), elbow dislocation (severe swelling and nearby damage), radial head and olecranon process of ulna fractures (elbow movement painful).

Colles Fractures (Distal Radius)

Use a padded board, air, vacuum, or pillow splint.

Injuries to Knee Ligaments Treatment

Mild to severe. Dislocation of the knee can lead to neurovascular compromise if serious. Splint the knee in the position in which you find it. Don't try to reduce (try not to reduce any dislocations).

Tibia Fibula Fracture Treatment

Padded, rigid long leg splint or an air splint that extends from the foot to the upper thigh (apply slight traction if deformed).

Ankle Injury Treatment

Most frequent injury is twisting. Assess distal function, correct any gross deformity by applying traction, apply a splint.

Foot Injury Treatment

Can result in the dislocation or fracture of foot bones. Apply a rigid padded board splint, an air splint, or a pillow splint (leave toes exposed)

For strains and sprains treatment:

RICES (rest, ice, compression, elevation, splinting).

Compartment Syndrome Causes and Treatment

Typically develops 6 to 12 hours after injury as a result of: excessive bleeding, crushed extremity, rapid blood return. Splint the affected limb, keeping it at the level of the heart. Transport immediately.