During a factory explosion, an adult sustained a femur fracture, …

Medicine Questions

An adult was thrown against a concrete wall during a factory explosion and sustained a femur fracture, liver laceration, and a small subdural hematoma. These injuries most likely occurred during what level of blast trauma?A.PrimaryB.SecondaryC.TertiaryD.Quaternary

Short Answer

Tertiary blast trauma occurs when individuals are thrown by an explosion and collide with objects, leading to serious injuries like femur fractures and liver lacerations. Understanding the mechanism of these injuries, typically involving blunt force impacts, is crucial for effective medical treatment.

Step-by-Step Solution

Step 1: Understanding Tertiary Blast Trauma

Tertiary blast trauma refers to injuries that occur when a person is thrown by the force of an explosion and hits surrounding objects. This type of injury typically arises during significant explosive incidents, where shockwaves and blast winds propel individuals into hard surfaces. It is essential to identify the mechanism of injury to establish appropriate interventions and treatments.

Step 2: Identifying Key Injuries from the Incident

In this scenario, the adult suffered a variety of serious injuries:

  • Femur fracture – a break in the thigh bone indicating high impact.
  • Liver laceration – a tear or cut in the liver, which can lead to internal bleeding.
  • Subdural hematoma – bleeding between the brain and its outer covering, often resulting from head trauma.
Each of these injuries signifies considerable force, aligning with the effects of a tertiary blast incident.

Step 3: Analyzing the Mechanism of Injuries

The sustained injuries can be traced back to the impact of the individual being propelled against a hard surface, such as a concrete wall. This blunt force trauma results from the combination of the explosion’s shockwave and the subsequent collision with solid objects. Understanding this mechanism is vital for medical professionals when determining treatment options and addressing the various injuries simultaneously.

Related Concepts

Tertiary Blast Trauma

Injuries occurring when an individual is thrown by an explosion and hits surrounding objects due to blast forces

Mechanism Of Injury

The process or method through which an injury occurs, vital for determining appropriate medical interventions

Blunt Force Trauma

Physical damage resulting from an impact with a solid object, often associated with high energy collisions such as those seen in explosive incidents.

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