Thorax and Abdomen Flashcards

Flashcards for Thorax and Abdomen Injuries

Sternum

The bone located in the center of the chest, also known as the breastbone, that connects to the ribs via cartilage and forms the front of the rib cage, thus helping to protect the lungs, heart, and major blood vessels from injury.

True Ribs

Ribs 1-7, that connect directly to the sternum through their costal cartilage.

False Ribs

Ribs 8-10, that connect to the sternum indirectly by connecting to the costal cartilage of the ribs above them.

Floating Ribs

Ribs 11-12, that do not connect to the sternum at all, providing more flexibility.

Sternoclavicular Joint

The joint where the sternum and clavicle meet.

Acromioclavicular Joint

The joint where the acromion of the scapula and clavicle meet.

Sternal Notch

The notch on the superior border of the manubrium of the sternum.

Clavicular Notch

The notch on the sternum where the clavicle articulates.

Costal Cartilages

Bars of hyaline cartilage that connect the ribs to the sternum.

Costal Margin

The lower edge of the rib cage formed by the costal cartilages.

Linea Alba

A fibrous structure that runs down the midline of the abdomen from the xiphoid process to the pubic symphysis.

Umbilicus

The navel, or belly button; the point where the umbilical cord was attached.

Rectus Sheath

The fibrous sheath formed by the aponeuroses of the abdominal muscles, enclosing the rectus abdominis muscle.

Abdominal Aorta

The continuation of the aorta after it passes through the diaphragm, supplying blood to the abdomen and lower body.

Common Iliac Artery

The arteries formed by the bifurcation of the abdominal aorta, supplying blood to the pelvis and lower limbs.

Cecum

A pouch connected to the junction of the small and large intestines.

Vermiform Appendix

A small, tube-shaped organ located near the junction of the small and large intestines.

Duodenum

The first part of the small intestine immediately beyond the stomach, leading to the jejunum.

RUQ

Right Upper Quadrant of the abdomen, containing the liver, gallbladder, and part of the colon.

LUQ

Left Upper Quadrant of the abdomen, containing the stomach, spleen, and part of the colon.

RLQ

Right Lower Quadrant of the abdomen, containing the cecum, appendix, and part of the small intestine.

LLQ

Left Lower Quadrant of the abdomen, containing part of the colon and small intestine.

S/SX

Signs and symptoms of injuries. Evaluating focus should be on signs and symptoms that indicate potentially life-threatening conditions.

History Questions for Thorax/Abdomen Injuries

Includes: What happened to cause this injury? Was there direct contact or a direct blow? What position were you in? What type of pain, was it immediate or gradual, location(s)? Difficulty breathing? What positions are most comfortable? Do you feel faint, light-headed, or nauseous? Chest pain?

Observations for Thorax/Abdomen Injuries

Includes: Is the athlete breathing? Are they having difficulty breathing? Does breathing cause pain? Is the athlete holding the chest wall? Is there symmetry of the chest during breathing? If the athlete’s wind was knocked out, is normal breathing returning? How rapidly? Body position.

Rib Contusion/Fracture Symptoms

Pop, snap, crack sounds. Point tenderness with difficulty breathing.

Costal Cartilage Injury Symptoms

Results from separation from cartilage and bone due to violent coughing or direct blows. Shortness of breath, with pain when breathing, sneezing, or laughing.

Sudden Death Syndrome Causes

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, Anomalous origin of coronary arteries, Marfan’s syndrome, Non-cardiac causes include drugs and alcohol, intracranial bleeding, obstructive respiratory disease.

Sudden Death Syndrome Symptoms

Most do not exhibit any signs prior to death. May exhibit chest pain, heart palpitations, syncope, nausea, profuse sweating, shortness of breath, malaise and/or fever.

Blow to Solar Plexus Symptoms

Can't breathe, hyperventilation, and passing out.

Spleen Injury Cause

Direct trauma, hit, or punch to upper left quadrant.

Kidney Contusion Cause

Lower kick, hit, or punch to the back. Right kidney is more susceptible to injury.

Appendicitis Cause

Blockage by fecal matter, inflammation of the appendix.

Appendicitis Symptoms

Lower right abdominal pain, fever, and vomiting, which can lead to rupture.