Upon palpating the chest wall of a trauma patient, you feel subcutaneous crepitus (emphysema), which is a sign that
A)there is a flail chest.
B)a fracture underlies the injury.
C)a foreign body is present.
D)there is vascular obstruction.
E)air has leaked into soft tissue.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Crepitus is a sign of air leakage into soft tissue. Crepitus in soft tissues is caused by air that has penetrated the area as a result of injury and is also referred to as subcutaneous emphysema. A flail chest need not be present. Bony crepitus is a grating or grinding sensation caused by fractured bone ends or joints rubbing together. A foreign body could obstruct the patient's airway, producing stridor, or a bark may be heard with an obstructed airway.

Upon Palpating the Chest Wall of a Trauma Patient, You