Emergency Medicine Chapter 30 Quiz

Questions and Answers

Patients with rib fractures will commonly:

breathe rapidly and shallowly.

Subcutaneous emphysema is an indication that:

air is escaping into the chest wall from a damaged lung.

A rapid, irregular pulse following blunt trauma to the chest is most suggestive of a:

myocardial contusion.

Irritation or damage to the pleural surfaces that causes sharp chest pain during inhalation is called:

pleurisy. Signup and view all the answers

If a patient with a chest injury only inhales small amounts of air per breath, he or she:

must increase his or her respiratory rate to maintain adequate minute volume. Signup and view all the answers

Elevation of the rib cage during inhalation occurs when:

the intercostal muscles contract. Signup and view all the answers

If a person's tidal volume decreases, but his or her respiratory rate remains unchanged:

minute volume will decrease. Signup and view all the answers

The phrenic nerves control the diaphragm and exit the spinal cord at:

C3, C4, and C5. Signup and view all the answers

A patient who presents with profound cyanosis following a chest injury:

requires prompt ventilation and oxygenation. Signup and view all the answers

Signs and symptoms of a tension pneumothorax include all of the following, except:

Collapsed jugular veins Signup and view all the answers

Hemoptysis is defined as:

coughing up blood. Signup and view all the answers

The thoracic cavity is separated from the abdominal cavity by the:

diaphragm. Signup and view all the answers

A simple pneumothorax:

is commonly caused by blunt chest trauma. Signup and view all the answers

An open pneumothorax is:

an open chest wound through which air moves during breathing. Signup and view all the answers

When assessing a patient with a hemothorax, you will most likely find:

signs and symptoms of shock. Signup and view all the answers

Pneumothorax is defined as:

accumulation of air in the pleural space. Signup and view all the answers

The ________ nerves supply the diaphragm.

phrenic Signup and view all the answers

When a person is lying supine at the end of exhalation, the diaphragm:

might rise as high as the nipple line. Signup and view all the answers

A flail chest occurs when:

a segment of the chest wall is detached from the thoracic cage. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following organs or structures does not reside within the mediastinum?

Lungs Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Respiratory Responses to Chest Injuries

Patients with rib fractures typically breathe rapidly and shallowly to minimize pain.
A decrease in tidal volume with an unchanged respiratory rate leads to reduced minute volume, impacting overall ventilation efficiency.

Subcutaneous Emphysema and Pneumothorax

Subcutaneous emphysema indicates air has escaped into the chest wall due to lung damage, potentially complicating respiratory issues.
A simple pneumothorax often results from blunt chest trauma and involves air accumulation in the pleural space.

Cardiac Considerations and Injuries

A rapid, irregular pulse after blunt chest trauma suggests a possible myocardial contusion, requiring further evaluation.
Profound cyanosis following a chest injury indicates significant oxygen deprivation, necessitating immediate ventilation and oxygen therapy.

Pleural and Respiratory Mechanics

Pleurisy is characterized by sharp chest pain during inhalation, linked to irritation of pleural surfaces.
The diaphragm, controlled by the phrenic nerves originating at C3, C4, and C5, facilitates inhalation by contracting and elevating the rib cage.

Assessing Chest Injuries

Signs of tension pneumothorax include distended neck veins except for collapsed jugular veins, which would not be present in this condition.
In hemothorax cases, patients often exhibit signs of shock due to the loss of blood volume or pressure.

Anatomical and Physiological Considerations

The thoracic cavity, separated from the abdominal cavity by the diaphragm, is crucial in the respiratory process.
Flail chest occurs when a section of the chest wall becomes detached, causing paradoxical movement during respiration.

Mediastinum Knowledge

Lungs do not reside in the mediastinum; this area contains vital structures such as the heart, trachea, and major blood vessels.

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Description

Test your knowledge on emergency medicine with this Chapter 30 quiz. It covers essential topics such as rib fractures, subcutaneous emphysema, and myocardial contusions. Perfect for medical students and professionals looking to refresh their understanding.