Chapter 36 (Chest Trauma) Vital Vocabulary EMS-150

atelectasis

Alveolar collapse that prevents use of that portion of the lungs for ventilation and oxygenation.

cardiac tamponade

A condition in which the atria and right ventricle are collapsed by a collection of blood or other fluid within the pericardial sac, resulting in diminished cardiac output.

clavicle

An S-shaped bone, also called the collarbone, that articulates medially with the sternum and laterally with the shoulder.

commotio cordis

An event in which an often-fatal cardiac dysrhythmia is produced by a sudden blow to the thoracic cavity. Early defibrillation is the key to survival.

crepitus

A grating sensation made when two pieces of broken bone rub together or subcutaneous emphysema is palpated.

exophthalmos

Protrusion of the eyes from the normal position within the socket.

flail chest

An injury that involves two or more adjacent ribs fractured in two or more places, allowing the segment between the fractures to move independently of the rest of the thoracic cage.

hemopneumothorax

A collection of blood and air in the pleural cavity.

hemothorax

The collection of blood within the normally closed pleural space.

jugular venous distention (JVD)

A prominence of the jugular veins due to increased volume or increased pressure within the central venous system or the thoracic cavity.

myocardial contusion

Blunt force injury to the heart that results in capillary damage, interstitial bleeding, and cellular damage in the affected area.

myocardial rupture

An acute traumatic perforation of the ventricles, atria, intraventricular septum, intra-atrial septum, chordae, papillary muscles, or valves.

needle decompression

A procedure in which a needle or angiocath is introduced into the pleural space in an attempt to relieve a tension pneumothorax

open pneumothorax

The result of a defect in the chest wall that allows air to enter the thoracic space.

pericardial sac

The potential space between the layers of the pericardium.

pericardiocentesis

A procedure in which a needle or angiocath is introduced into the pericardial sac to relieve cardiac tamponade.

pneumothorax

The collection of air within the normally closed pleural space.

pulmonary contusion

Injury to the lung parenchyma that results in capillary hemorrhage into the tissue.

pulsus paradoxus

A drop in the systolic blood pressure of 10 mm Hg more than during inspiration

subconjunctival hematoma

The collection of blood within the sclera of the eye, presenting as a bright red patch of blood over the sclera but not involving the cornea.

subcutaneous emphysema

A physical finding of air within the subcutaneous tissue.

tension pneumothorax

A life-threatening collection of air within the pleural space

thoracic inlet

In the superior aspect of the thoracic cavity, a ring-like opening created by the first vertebral vertebra, the first rib, the clavicles, and the manubrium.

traumatic aortic disruption

Dissection or rupture of the aorta.

traumatic asphyxia

A pattern of injuries seen after a severe force is applied to the thorax, forcing blood from the great vessels and back into the head and neck.