EMT Chapter 27 Flashcards

Questions and Answers

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

Is less prone to penetrating trauma.

May rise as high as the nipple line. (correct)

Contracts and flattens inferiorly.

Descends below the level of the navel.

A spinal cord injury at the level of C7 would MOST likely result in:

Paralysis of the intercostal muscles. (correct)

Paralysis of the diaphragm.

Immediate cardiac arrest.

Paralysis of all the respiratory muscles.

Very young children tend to breathe predominantly with their diaphragm because:

They require less tidal volume per breath.

Their intercostal muscles are not fully developed. (correct)

There is no nerve innervation of the intercostal muscles.

Their chest wall and ribs are very pliable.

Pleural fluid is contained between the:

Visceral and parietal pleurae. 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

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

Diaphragm. 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

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

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

The ________ nerves control the diaphragm.

Phrenic 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

If a patient with a chest injury is only able to inhale 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

Immediate death from blunt chest trauma following a motor vehicle crash is MOST often the result of:

Traumatic aortic rupture. Signup and view all the answers

Hemoptysis is defined as:

Coughing up blood. Signup and view all the answers

Common signs and symptoms of a chest injury include all of the following, EXCEPT:

Hematemesis. Signup and view all the answers

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

Pleurisy. 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

Study Notes

Diaphragm and Breathing Mechanics

In supine position, diaphragm may rise to the nipple line during exhalation.
Spinal cord injury at C7 results in intercostal muscle paralysis.
Young children primarily use diaphragmatic breathing due to underdeveloped intercostal muscles.

Pleural Anatomy

Pleural fluid is located between the visceral and parietal pleurae.
The thoracic cavity is separated from the abdominal cavity by the diaphragm.

Respiratory Movements

Rib cage elevation during inhalation occurs due to intercostal muscle contraction.
Phrenic nerves controlling the diaphragm exit the spinal cord at C3, C4, and C5.

Tidal Volume and Minute Volume

A decrease in tidal volume leads to a decrease in minute volume if respiratory rate is unchanged.
Patients with chest injuries and limited inhalation must increase their respiratory rate to maintain adequate minute volume.

Chest Trauma

Blunt chest trauma can lead to immediate death from traumatic aortic rupture.
Hemoptysis is characterized by coughing up blood.
Common symptoms of chest injury include tachypnea, localized pain, and chest wall ecchymosis, but not hematemesis.

Pleurisy and Respiratory Distress

Pleurisy is characterized by sharp chest pain during inhalation due to irritation of the pleural surfaces.
Profound cyanosis following a chest injury necessitates prompt ventilation and oxygenation.

Important Outcomes

Monitoring and understanding breathing mechanics, pleural anatomy, and trauma responses are crucial in emergency medical situations.

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Description

Test your knowledge with these flashcards from Chapter 27 of the EMT course. This quiz includes key concepts such as diaphragm function and spinal cord injuries, critical for understanding emergency medical services. Perfect for EMT students preparing for exams.