Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Intermediate Practice Exam

Which of the following is a common complication of severe blunt trauma to the chest?

1. Pneumonia

2. Hemothorax

3. Heart attack

4. Broken ribs

The correct answer is: Hemothorax

Severe blunt trauma to the chest can lead to a variety of complications, and one of the most significant is a hemothorax. A hemothorax occurs when blood accumulates in the pleural space, the area between the lungs and the chest wall. This condition can result from damage to the blood vessels in the chest cavity, often due to rib fractures or direct impact to the chest. When blood collects in the pleural space, it can compromise respiratory function by reducing lung expansion and impairing oxygen exchange. This can lead to symptoms such as difficulty breathing, decreased oxygen saturation, and hypotension if significant blood loss occurs. Prompt identification and management of a hemothorax are crucial, as this may involve procedures such as chest tube placement to drain the accumulated blood and stabilize the patient's condition. While pneumonia, heart attacks, and broken ribs can also be associated with chest trauma, they are not immediate or direct complications in the same way that hemothorax is. Pneumonia is more of a secondary complication that can result from immobilization or impaired breathing due to other injuries, heart attacks usually relate to underlying cardiovascular issues rather than direct trauma, and broken ribs, while common, do not significantly threaten immediate respiratory function or lead to