EMT Chapter 27 - Face and Neck Injuries

Podcast

Play an AI-generated podcast conversation about this lesson

Questions and Answers

What condition should you suspect in a 30-year-old female with redness, inflammation, and pain to her left eye?

conjunctivitis

What should you do if a 4-year-old female has a peanut lodged in the external auditory canal of her right ear?

transport her to the emergency department

What is the appropriate action for a 52-year-old female who struck her face in a collision and has dislodged teeth?

fully immobilize her spine, attempt to locate the dislodged teeth, suction as needed, and transport

What intervention will MOST likely improve the chance of survival for a 6-year-old female with difficulty breathing and facial cyanosis?

rapidly transporting her to the hospital Signup and view all the answers

What should you do if a factory worker was splashed in the eyes with a strong acid chemical but your ambulance does not carry sterile saline or water?

irrigate both eyes continuously for 20 minutes with plain water Signup and view all the answers

What is the MOST effective way to control bleeding from soft-tissue injuries to the face?

direct pressure using dry, sterile dressings Signup and view all the answers

What condition is consistent with severe headache and decreased ability to move eyes following blunt trauma to the face in a 21-year-old male?

a blowout fracture Signup and view all the answers

If your patient swallows blood following facial trauma, there is an increased risk of ________.

vomiting Signup and view all the answers

What should EMTs be aware of with significant facial trauma?

spinal column injury Signup and view all the answers

What is the Adam's apple?

the upper part of the larynx that is formed by the thyroid cartilage Signup and view all the answers

What is the MOST significant complication associated with facial injuries?

airway compromise Signup and view all the answers

Where can the superficial temporal artery be palpated?

just anterior to the tragus Signup and view all the answers

What are the upper jawbones called?

maxillae Signup and view all the answers

What happens when a light is shone into the pupil?

it should become smaller in size Signup and view all the answers

What should the EMT's immediate priority be when caring for a patient with an open facial injury?

wear gloves and facial protection Signup and view all the answers

When performing a full body scan, you should assess for ________.

DCAP-BTLS Signup and view all the answers

Which statement regarding anterior nosebleeds is correct?

They usually originate from the septum area and bleed slowly Signup and view all the answers

Which statement regarding the vitreous humor is correct?

It is a clear, jellylike fluid near the back of the eye that cannot be replaced if it is lost Signup and view all the answers

When assessing a 59-year-old male with unequal pupils, what is the MOST pertinent question?

has a history of eye surgeries Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important to be descriptive when transporting a patient with a facial injury?

they may need to call a specialist to see the patient Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Conjunctivitis and Eye Injuries

Conjunctivitis is characterized by redness, inflammation, and pain in the eye.
Early recognition is crucial, especially if the patient has difficulty keeping her eyes open.

Ear Blockage

A peanut lodged in the external auditory canal of a child requires emergency transportation to the hospital.

Facial Trauma

A facial impact can lead to dislodged teeth, swelling, and hemorrhaging.
Spine immobilization is essential, alongside suctioning and transporting the patient to appropriate medical facilities.

Airway Management in Neck Injuries

In instances of throat trauma and breathing difficulty, rapid transport to the hospital is critical for survival.

Chemical Eye Injuries

In cases of strong acid exposure to the eyes, continuous irrigation with plain water for 20 minutes is necessary when saline is unavailable.

Facial Soft-Tissue Bleeding

Direct pressure using dry, sterile dressings is the most effective method to control bleeding from facial injuries.

Blowout Fracture Symptoms

Severe headache and difficulty moving the eyes post-blunt facial trauma typically indicate a blowout fracture.

Risks of Swallowing Blood

Patients who swallow blood after facial trauma are at increased risk of vomiting.

Spinal Injury Concerns

Significant facial trauma raises suspicion for possible spinal column injuries.

Anatomy of the Neck

The Adam's apple is the prominent thyroid cartilage forming the upper part of the larynx.

Airway Compromise

Airway compromise is the most significant risk associated with facial injuries.

Superficial Temporal Artery Location

This artery can be palpated just anterior to the tragus of the ear.

Maxillae

The upper jawbones are medically referred to as maxillae.

Pupil Reaction

When light is shone into the pupil, it should constrict (become smaller in size).

Safety Precautions with Open Facial Injuries

EMTs must wear gloves and facial protection when caring for patients with open facial injuries.

Full Body Assessment

When performing assessments, look for DCAP-BTLS: Deformities, Contusions, Abrasions, Penetrations, Burns, Tenderness, Lacerations, and Swelling.

Anterior Nosebleeds

Typically originate from the septum area and usually exhibit slow bleeding.

Vitreous Humor

This clear, jellylike fluid found near the back of the eye cannot be replaced if lost.

Unequal Pupils

In assessing patients with unequal pupils, inquire about previous eye surgeries to understand potential underlying conditions.

Communication with Medical Facilities

Providing detailed descriptions of facial injuries during transport is vital, as hospitals may need to consult specialists.

Studying That Suits You

Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.

Description

Test your knowledge on face and neck injuries as covered in EMT Chapter 27. This quiz covers essential topics such as conjunctivitis and foreign objects in the ear. Perfect for EMT students looking to reinforce key concepts.