As the energy from a medium- or high-velocity projectile pushes tissue from its path, which of the following occurs?
A) Damage depends on the net difference between pressure at the entrance wound and pressure at the exit wound.
B) No vacuum is created when there are both an entrance and an exit wound.
C) Negative pressure is generated inside the cavity, drawing debris into the wound.
D) There is negative pressure at the entrance wound and positive pressure at the exit wound.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Negative pressure generated inside the cavity as a projectile moves through tissue can draw debris, bacteria, and air into the wound, exacerbating contamination and complicating the injury. This phenomenon is part of what makes gunshot and similar high-velocity injuries particularly dangerous and challenging to treat.

As the Energy from a Medium- or High-Velocity Projectile Pushes