Soft Tissue Injuries Flashcards
What is meant by a closed vs open wound?
open wounds are abrasions, lacerations, punctures, avulsions, amputations
Closed are bruised and hematomas
What is the general treatment for closed wounds?
R)est
I)ce
C)ompress
E)levate
What types of lacerations would require sutures?
when they penetrate all layers of the skin
What are the exceptions to the rule that you should leave punctures in place?
through the cheek and obstructing the airway; or prevents transport and cannot be stabilized
What is the most common and effective way to control bleeding?
direct pressure and elevation
What materials can you use to improvise a shield against a patient’s blood?
patient’s gear and plastic bags for gloves
When would it be necessary to tie a tourniquet?
What materials can you use to improvise this?
When the bleeding cannot be controlled with direct pressure and elevation. Profuse bleeding and the patient’s life might be in danger from blood loss
Any material and anything sturdy enough to turn it and keep it tight (belts can cause nerve damage)
What should you do with amputated digits?
Wrap in moist dressing, place near but not directly on ice, and transport promptly
What is the best way to prevent wound infection?
high-pressure irrigation and dressing the wound
Why should you always keep wounds covered and moist?
to prevent scabbing
What kinds of wounds should be evacuated?
any open wound with obvious signs of contamination or infection; animal bites; crushing; penetrating; tearing; over joint space; lacerations to cosmetic areas; large lacerations
How do you recognize an infected wound?
redness; swelling; pus; heat; pain; red streaks radiating from the wound; fever and chills; swollen lymph nodes
How do you measure the extent of a burn? What would be meant by a 5% partial-
thickness burn?
rule of palms (patients palm and fingers when held together equal 1% of total body area)
skin is red and blistered on 5% (5 palms) of the total body area
How can you treat most thermal burns?
remove from source and clothing immediately; use cool water to cool burn
Why do inhalation burns require immediate evacuation?
Cilia and mucous membranes may be destroyed instantly; swelling and leaking of fluids into the lungs (risk of pneumonia and other lung damage); unable to expel mucous (builds up in airway; may cause infection); impaired gas exchange
Swelling may build up even after several hours; respiratory distress may not become apparent for 24-48 hours later
