A 36-year-old driver was pulled from a car after it collided with a tree and the gas tank exploded.What assessment data suggest the patient suffered tissue damage consistent with a blast injury?

Question

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Explosive blast energy generates shock waves that create changes in air pressure,causing tissue damage.Initially after an explosion,there is a rapid increase in positive pressure for a short period,followed by a longer period of negative pressure.The increase in positive pressure injures gas-containing organs.The tympanic membrane ruptures,and the lungs may show evidence of contusion,acute edema,or rupture.A low blood pressure and corresponding tachycardia is more suggestive of hypovolemia.Lack of response to stimuli suggests a neurological injury.An irregular heart rate and rhythm may be associated with blunt trauma to the heart (e.g.cardiac contusion).

A 36-Year-Old Driver Was Pulled from a Car After It