A 45-year-old male is trapped in a confined space after a trench collapse. He has been buried to chest height for 2 hours. He is conscious and communi...

Question

A 45-year-old male is trapped in a confined space after a trench collapse. He has been buried to chest height for 2 hours. He is conscious and communicating but reports worsening difficulty breathing. What is the mechanism of respiratory compromise in this patient?

Accepted Answer

Traumatic asphyxia - the weight of soil on the chest and abdomen restricts diaphragmatic excursion and chest wall expansion, progressively reducing tidal volume and causing hypoxia and hypercapnia

Answer

Tension pneumothorax from positive pressure ventilation

Answer

Bronchospasm from dust inhalation

Answer

Pulmonary embolism from immobility

Answer

Pneumothorax from rib fractures caused by the soil weight

uk-dipimc MCQ (SBA): Traumatic Asphyxia - Mechanism

A 45-year-old male is trapped in a confined space after a trench collapse. He has been buried to chest height for 2 hours. He is conscious and communicating but reports worsening difficulty breathing. What is the mechanism of respiratory compromise in this patient?