Question

Your adult trauma patient suddenly becomes apneic during extrication from his extremely damaged vehicle in which he was the restrained driver. There are no obvious signs of chest trauma or crepitus noted. However, he is suspected of suffering a brain and/or spinal cord injury. If so, which of the following is most likely responsible for causing the patient to suffer respiratory arrest?

A) Traumatic asphyxia

B) Vagus nerve injury/compression

C) Tension pneumothorax

D) Phrenic nerve injury/compression

Answer 1

Tension pneumothorax is the most likely cause of the patient's respiratory arrest.

Step-by-step explanation:

Based on the given scenario, the most likely cause of the patient's respiratory arrest would be Tension pneumothorax. Tension pneumothorax occurs when air enters the pleural space and becomes trapped, causing pressure to build up in the chest cavity. This can compress the lungs and prevent them from expanding, leading to respiratory distress and eventually respiratory arrest.

Although traumatic asphyxia, vagus nerve injury/compression, and phrenic nerve injury/compression can all potentially cause respiratory problems, these conditions do not directly explain the patient's sudden apnea without signs of chest trauma or crepitus.