1. Abdomen and Thorax
Injuries
Unit 16

2. Bell Work: Review On your note taker
Name the boarders of the abdomen and the thorax
Divide the abdomen into the 4 quadrants and list the organs within them
Bell Work: Review

3. Objectives Define terminology
Differentiate between abdominal & thoracic injuries and know their mechanisms, signs, symptoms and treatments
Objectives

4. Terminology Kehr’s Sign Referred Pain Apnea Dyspnea Asthma Hemothorax
Radiating pain in the LEFT shoulder and arm resulting from an injury to the spleen
Referred Pain
Pain that begins in one area, but is felt in an another area of the body
Apnea
Temporarily stop breathing
Dyspnea
Difficult or labored breathing
Asthma
Condition in which the air passages constrict in response to a stimulus
Hemothorax
Blood in the thoracic cavity
Terminology

5. Rib Contusion/Fracture
Mechanism
Impact or direct blow to affected rib
Signs and Symptoms
Dyspnea
Pain helps determine if it’s a fx or contusion
Contusion: Pain remains constant during breathing
Fracture: Pain increases with inhalation and decreases during exhalation…Severe and Sharp
Point tender
Possible Deformity
Treatment
Apply Ice
Refer for Xray: 3-4 week recovery
Possibly braced
Rib Contusion/Fracture

6. Exercised Induced Asthma (EIA)
Mechanism
Physical activity and/or environmental conditions trigger a stimulus
The stimulus causes the airway to constrict and/or increase in mucous production
Exercised Induced Asthma (EIA)

7. EIA Treatment Signs and Symptoms
If on medication: use inhaler to help dilate the bronchi
Reassure and calm athlete
Call EMS if condition worsens
Gradually increase activity when they return
Signs and Symptoms
Coughing
Wheezing
Dyspnea
Chest Pain or Tightness
Anxiety
EIA

8. Hemothorax Mechanism What does ‘hemo’ mean?
Internal Injury: ruptured blood vessel or ruptured lung
External Injury: Penetrating wound
What does ‘hemo’ mean?
Hemothorax

9. Hemothorax Signs and Symptoms Treatment Dyspnea Bluish skin tone
Rapid, weak pulse
No breath sounds from injured side
Loss of consciousness (LOC)
Treatment
Call EMS immediately
Control bleeding (if any)
Hemothorax

10. Mononucleosis (Mono) Mechanism “kissing disease”
Spleen enlargement due to virus or bacteria
Mononucleosis (Mono)

11. Mono Signs and Symptoms Treatment Fatigue Fever Swollen tonsils/throat
Soft, swollen spleen
Kehr’s sign
Treatment
Removal from physical activity
Self limiting
Rest, good hydration & nutrition
Mono

12. Liver Laceration Mechanism Signs and Symptoms
2nd most common abdominal injury
Blunt trauma to UR quadrant
Signs and Symptoms
UR quadrant pain
Deep breathing
Weak pulse
Nausea
Vomiting
Light headedness
LOC
Liver Laceration

13. Liver Laceration Treatment Immediate 911 referral
Control external bleeding
Monitor CABs
NO FOOD OR FLUIDS
Shock
Liver Laceration

14. Appendicitis Mechanism Inflammation of appendix
Occurs when appendix becomes blocked or infection
Appendicitis

15. Appendicitis Signs and Symptoms Treatment Dull pain near navel
Sharp LR quadrant pain
Abdominal swelling
Loss of appetite
Treatment
Medical emergency to remove appendix
NO FOOD OR FLUIDS!
Appendicitis