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1. Which of the following is a common mechanism of
thoracic injury in blunt trauma?
A) Deceleration
B) Compression
C) Penetration
D) Shear
Answer: B) Compression. Compression occurs when the
chest wall is crushed between an external force and the
spine, resulting in rib fractures, lung contusions, or cardiac
injuries. Deceleration, penetration, and shear are more
likely to cause injuries to the aorta, great vessels, or
mediastinal structures.
2. What is the most sensitive and specific imaging modality
for diagnosing a pneumothorax?
A) Chest X-ray
B) Ultrasound
C) CT scan
D) MRI
Answer: B) Ultrasound. Ultrasound has a sensitivity and
specificity of nearly for detecting pneumothorax,
especially in the supine position. Chest X-ray can miss up
to 50% of pneumothoraces in trauma patients, and CT scan
and MRI are not readily available or indicated in most
cases.
3. What is the initial management of a tension
pneumothorax in a trauma patient?
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