Chapter 29 - Chest Injuries

cardiac tamponade

compression of the heart from blood/fluid buildup in pericardial sac

closed chest injury

chest injury with no skin broken

commotio cordis

injury caused by a sudden, direct blow to the chest

crepitus

grating/grinding sensation/sound caused by fractured bone ends/joints

flail chest

fracture where segment of the chest wall is effectively detached from the rest of the thoracic cage

flutter valve

one way valve that allows air to leave the chest cavity but not return

hemopneumothorax

accumulation of blood and air in the pleural space of the chest

hemothorax

collection of blood in pleural cavity

myocardial contusion

bruising of the heart muscle

occlusive dressing

airtight dressing

open chest injury

injury to chest where wall is penetrated

open pneumothorax

open chest wall wound where air passes

paradoxical chest motion

opposite of chest walls normal motion during breathing

pericardium

sac that surrounds the heart

pneumothorax

air builds up in the pleural cavity

pulmonary contusion

injury of lung tissue results in bleeding

simple pneumothorax

free from significant physiologic changes and does not cause drastic changes in the vital signs of the patient

subcutaneous emphysema

crackling sensation felt on palpation of the skin

sucking chest wound

open chest wall wound where air passes

rapid respiratory rate

tachypnea

tension pneumothorax

gas buildup in chest increases pressure in chest and interferes

traumatic asphyxia

force applied to the chest, forcing blood from the great vessels back into the head and neck

vented chest seal

occlusive dressing designed to allow air escape but not back in