ch 31 Emergency Care: Chest and Abdominal Trauma Flashcards

Vocabulary flashcards covering the anatomy, pathophysiology, and emergency care procedures for chest and abdominal injuries based on the lecture transcript.

Chest Cavity

An area that extends from the collarbones to the diaphragm, containing organs, major blood vessels, and lung tissue.

Inhalation

An active respiratory process that uses negative pressure to draw air into the lungs.

Exhalation

A passive respiratory process that uses positive pressure to push air out of the lungs.

Hollow Organs

Abdominal organs that tolerate trauma well, including the stomach, gallbladder, duodenum, large and small intestines, and bladder.

Solid Organs

Abdominal organs that do not tolerate trauma well, including the spleen, liver, pancreas, and kidneys.

Flail Chest

The fracture of two or more consecutive ribs in two or more places, leaving a portion of the chest wall unstable.

Paradoxical Motion

Movement of a flail segment that is opposite to the movement of the remainder of the chest cavity.

Sucking Chest Wound

An open chest wound where air is drawn in through the hole, often characterized by gasping or a sucking sound.

Occlusive Dressing

A dressing that seals a wound to stop the movement of air.

Flutter-Valve Dressing

An occlusive dressing taped in place while leaving a side or corner unsealed to allow trapped air to escape the chest cavity.

Pneumothorax

A condition where air accumulates in the chest cavity, possibly causing a lung to collapse.

Tension Pneumothorax

A condition where pressure from air in the chest cavity puts pressure on the heart and vena cava, often involving tracheal deviation.

Hemothorax

A condition where the chest cavity fills with blood.

Hemopneumothorax

A condition where the chest cavity fills with both blood and air.

Traumatic Asphyxia

Sudden compression of the chest forcing blood out of organs and rupturing vessels, making the neck and face appear darker than the rest of the body.

Cardiac Tamponade

A direct injury to the heart causing blood to flow into the pericardial sac, creating pressure that prevents heart chambers from filling.

Aortic Dissection

An injury where the inner layer of the aorta begins to tear, allowing blood to flow between its wall layers.

Aortic Aneurysm

A balloon-like protrusion of the aorta that causes death if it ruptures.

Commotio Cordis

An uncommon condition caused by trauma to the chest when the heart is vulnerable, leading to ventricular fibrillation.

Evisceration

An abdominal injury where organs protrude through a wound opening.

Peritonitis

Severe irritation of the abdominal cavity that occurs when hollow organs spill their contents.