Eye Injuries and Facial Trauma Management

Questions and Answers

What is the definition of 'hyphema'?

Blood in the anterior chamber of the eye. (correct)

An acute rupture of the globe of the eye.

Compression of one or both optic nerves.

Inflammation of the iris, cornea, and lens.

What covers the inner surface of the eyelids and the exposed surface of the eye?

Retina

Sclera

Conjunctiva (correct)

Cornea

In managing a patient with a severe closed head injury and dilated pupils, what should you do?

Close her eyes and cover them with a moist dressing. (correct)

Secure her eyes open so you can reassess her pupils.

Irrigate her eyes with water to prevent mucosal drying.

Inspect her eyes and gently remove impaled objects.

What should you do for a patient with facial trauma and several dislodged teeth?

Apply supplemental oxygen, immobilize her spine, attempt to locate the dislodged teeth, suction as needed, and transport. Signup and view all the answers

Where is the mastoid process located?

1″ posterior to the external opening of the ear. Signup and view all the answers

What should you do if a patient splashed radiator fluid in their eyes while wearing contact lenses?

Carefully remove the contact lenses and then irrigate his eyes with saline. Signup and view all the answers

Where can you palpate the superficial temporal artery?

Just anterior to the tragus. Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes the skin and underlying tissues of the face?

Have a rich blood supply and bleed profusely. Signup and view all the answers

Why should facial injuries be treated as soon as possible?

Due to the risk for airway problems. Signup and view all the answers

What are the upper jawbones called?

Maxillae. Signup and view all the answers

What is the name of the lower jawbone?

Mandible. Signup and view all the answers

If an immobilized patient with severe facial trauma begins vomiting blood, what should you do?

Turn the backboard onto its side. Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of the sternocleidomastoid muscle?

Allows movement of the head. Signup and view all the answers

What is the most pertinent question to ask a patient with unequal pupils?

Has a history of eye surgeries. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Eye Injuries and Conditions

Hyphema: Defined as blood in the anterior chamber of the eye.
Conjunctiva: A delicate membrane covering the inner surface of the eyelids and the exposed surface of the eye.
Contact Lens Protocol: For chemical exposure, carefully remove contact lenses and irrigate with saline.

Facial Trauma Management

For facial trauma with dislodged teeth, apply supplemental oxygen, immobilize the spine, locate teeth, and suction as needed.
Significant facial injuries may mask hidden airway problems; urgency in treatment is crucial.
Recognize the blood supply in facial tissues; they tend to bleed profusely when injured.

Anatomical Landmarks

Mastoid Process: Located approximately 1 inch posterior to the external opening of the ear.
Superficial Temporal Artery: Can be palpated just anterior to the tragus of the ear.
Jawbones:
- Upper jawbones are referred to as maxillae.
- Lower jawbone is known as the mandible.

Patient Assessment and Intervention

In cases of altered consciousness with head injury, close the eyes and cover with a moist dressing to prevent drying.
If a patient with facial trauma begins to vomit while immobilized, turn the backboard onto its side for safety.
Assess pupils; unequal pupil size may indicate a history of eye surgeries, important for medical history.

Muscle Function

The sternocleidomastoid muscle allows movement of the head and is a key structure in neck mobility.

Vital Signs Monitoring

Monitor vital signs closely in trauma cases: alert state, blood pressure, pulse, and respiration rate are critical for patient assessment.

Description

This quiz covers important concepts related to eye injuries such as hyphema and conjunctiva, along with protocols for managing facial trauma. Understanding anatomical landmarks is crucial for effective treatment. Test your knowledge on these critical medical topics to ensure proper emergency response.