CH 28 Bleeding and Soft Tissue Trauma Flashcards

Practice flashcards covering definitions, classifications of hemorrhage, and types of soft tissue trauma based on Chapter 28 of Prehospital Emergency Care Twelfth Edition.

Standard Precautions

The best defense against the transmission of disease, including habits like handwashing and using P P E.

Class 1 Hemorrhage

Blood loss of $\text{less than } 15\%$, characterized by a heart rate $<100$, normal blood pressure, and normal or slightly pale and cool skin.

Class 2 Hemorrhage

Blood loss between $15\text{ to } 30\%$, characterized by a heart rate of $100\text{ to } 120$, a narrow pulse pressure, and pale, cool, clammy skin.

Class 3 Hemorrhage

Blood loss between $30\text{ to } 40\%$, characterized by a heart rate of $120\text{ to } 140$, decreased systolic blood pressure, and severely pale and cool skin.

Class 4 Hemorrhage

Blood loss $\text{greater than } 40\%$, characterized by a pulse rate $>140$, very narrow or wide pulse pressure, and skin that is severely pale, cold, and mottled.

Arterial Bleeding

Life-threatening external bleeding where blood spurts from the wound; it can lead to severe hemorrhagic shock and death within minutes.

Topical Hemostatic Agents

Substances like QuikClot or hemostatic gauze used to control traumatic bleeding by promoting clotting when applied directly to a wound.

Junctional Areas

Regions where the extremities and head meet the torso, requiring specialized junctional tourniquets as traditional tourniquets cannot be used.

Epistaxis

The medical term for nose bleeding, typically controlled by direct pressure.

Hematoma

A contained collection of blood beneath the skin that can separate tissues and involve larger blood vessels than a contusion, often presenting as a lump.

Contusion

A bruise or injury to blood vessels in the dermis resulting in swelling and discoloration (ecchymosis) without a break in the skin.

Hemorrhagic Shock

A condition resulting from inadequate tissue perfusion due to significant hemorrhaging, depriving cells of oxygen and nutrients.

Epidermis

The outermost layer of the skin.

Dermis

The middle layer of the skin containing blood vessels, nerves, and sweat glands.

Subcutaneous Layer (Hypodermis)

The deepest layer of skin tissue containing adipose tissue, arteries, and veins.

Abrasion

A superficial but painful open soft tissue injury caused by scraping or rubbing away the epidermis.

Laceration

A break in the skin of varying depth that may be linear (regular) or stellate (irregular).

Avulsion

An injury where a flap of skin is torn loose or pulled off completely, often resulting in severe bleeding and extensive scarring.

Amputation

Disruptions in the continuity of an extremity or body part resulting from ripping or tearing forces; may be partial or complete.

Occlusive Dressing

A dressing that creates an airtight seal, such as Vaseline petrolatum gauze, used for open chest injuries or open neck wounds.

Air Embolism

A condition where air is sucked into damaged veins, often reaching the heart; a major risk associated with open neck wounds.

Dressing

A sterile material used to cover a wound, control bleeding, and prevent further contamination.

Bandage

A material used to secure a dressing in place, which should be clean and free of debris.

Pressure Dressing

A method of applying sterile dressings and bandaging firmly to maintain bleeding control while ensuring pulses are still present.