Injuries to the Tissues Chapter 9 Injuries to the Tissues

Types of Injuries Cuts Abrasions Contusions Muscle strains Ligament strains Inflammation of the tendons Joint dislocations Fractures Injuries to specific organs Overuse injuries of the limbs and joints

Cell Basic structural and functional unit of all living organisms Smallest structure capable of performing all activities vital to life Cells and the tissues they form allow the body to perform the functions that are vital to life. Breathing, eliminating waste products, and maintaining homeostasis

Tissues Composed of similar cells that are specialized to perform a particular function Four main categories Epithelial Connective Nerve Muscle

Controlling Bleeding All bleeding must be controlled. Always wear gloves when dealing with blood or other body fluids. Profuse bleeding (hemorrhage) is a serious, life-threatening condition. Can lead to shock and death

Controlling Bleeding Bleeding can be internal or external. Internal is often result of blunt trauma or a medical condition External can occur from capillaries, veins, or arteries Capillary bleeding is the most common type and occurs with most injuries Applying a sterile pad and compression will usually control bleeding in minor cuts.

Controlling Bleeding Venous bleeding Controlled by placing a sterile compress over the wound A gloved hand applies direct pressure to the site. Normal blood takes 4-6 minutes to clot; pressure should last at least 6 minutes. Blood may take longer to clot due to some conditions (e.g., a patient on blood thinners).

Controlling Bleeding Arterial bleeding Caused by a punctured or severed artery Arterial blood is bright red and pulsates (spurts) because it is under pressure. Must be controlled immediately to prevent shock Direct pressure is the best method for controlling arterial bleeding.

Controlling Bleeding Arterial bleeding Elevating the injured part can also help; however, do not move the extremity when there is a fracture or spinal cord injury. If indirect pressure with elevation is not successful, use indirect pressure.

Controlling Bleeding Pressure Points Femoral artery Temporal artery Carotid artery Subclavian artery Brachial artery Ulnar artery Iliac artery Femoral artery Popliteal artery Dorsalis pedis artery

General Principles of Wound Care Always wear gloves when handling wounds. Control any bleeding. Cleanse the wound. Immobilize the injured part. Apply ice (except for snakebite). Handle the wound gently.

General Principles of Wound Care Have a physician rule out infections. MRSA

Guidelines for Applying Bandages Always remove rings, watches, or bracelets from the patient if dressing a hand or wrist. Try to leave fingers and toes exposed to check on circulation and sensation. Use sterile material. Control any bleeding.

Guidelines for Applying Bandages Open the dressing package using sterile technique. Touch only the corners. Cover the entire wound. Apply bandage snugly but not too tightly Check for circulation. Secure all loose ends with tape.

Guidelines for Applying Bandages Put the bandage on in the position in which it is to remain. Ask the patient how the dressing feels. If it is uncomfortable, rearrange it. Stay within OSHA guidelines. Provide the patient with instructions for wound care.

Superficial Injuries to Soft Tissues Involve damage to one or more of the tissues surrounding the bones and joints Can involve the skin, fascia, cartilage, muscles, tendons, ligaments, veins, or arteries Wounds are open or closed.

Superficial Injuries to Soft Tissues Abrasions Lacerations Avulsions Puncture Wounds Incisions Calluses Blisters Bites and Stings Hematomas Contusions

The Muscular System Composed of over 600 muscles Muscles are made up of bundles of tiny contractile muscle fibers. Held together by connective tissue Fibers initiate movement when they are stimulated by nerve endings.

Types of Movement Rotation Adduction Abduction Extension Plantar flexion Palmar flexion Dorsiflexion Eversion Inversion

Types of Muscle Tissue Cardiac muscle Smooth (visceral) muscle Makes up the walls of the heart Smooth (visceral) muscle Found throughout the body in the internal organs Skeletal (striated) muscle Attached to bones and produce movement upon command from brain

Injuries to the Muscle Tissue Muscle strain An overstretching or tearing of the muscles and/or adjacent tissues Myositis ossificans A condition in which calcium is produced within the muscle after a blow Tendonitis Inflammation of the tendon

The Joints Allow movement according to their range of motion. Three categories: Fibrous Immovable joints including bones of the cranium, or skull Cartilaginous Slightly moveable Includes vertebra in the spine

The Joints Three categories, continued: 3. Synovial Freely moveable Includes the elbow, knee, fingers, etc.

Injuries to the Joints Ligament or capsular sprains Dislocations and subluxations Synovitis and bursitis

The Skeletal System Provides a framework of support for the soft tissues of the body and protects the internal organs from damage There are 206 bones that form the human skeleton and affect our movement in some way.

Five Functions of The Skeletal System Provides support for muscles, fat, and soft tissues Protects internal organs Provides leverage for lifting and movement through the attachment of muscles Produces blood cells Stores majority of the body’s calcium supply

Signs and Symptoms of Bone Fracture Pain at the site Deformity Edema (swelling) at injury site Ecchymosis (bruising) Grating or crepitus Immobility Numbness or tingling Pale or cold skin due to impaired circulation

Types of Fractures Closed (does not break skin) Open (bone protrudes through skin) Avulsion Stress Greenstick Impacted Longitudinal

Types of Fractures Oblique Spiral Transverse Comminuted Blowout Salter-Harris