Demonstration should include pathophysiology, assessment, and management of
- comparison of chest injuries caused by blunt mechanisms to those caused by penetrating mechanisms
- impaled objects
- hemothorax
- pneumothorax (e.g., open, simple, tension)
- cardiac tamponade
- rib fractures
- flail chest
- commotio cordis.
Process/Skill Questions:
- How does a pneumothorax disrupt the mechanism of breathing?
- When should an impaled object be stabilized in place and when should it be removed?
- Why do injuries like a pneumothorax and cardiac tamponade cause jugular vein distention?
- How is a flail segment treated?