Which of the following traumatic chest injuries may result in massive, often fatal internal hemorrhage?
A. Hemopneumothorax B. Aortic dissection C. Cardiac tamponade D. Hemothorax
Answer:
B. Aortic dissection
Explanation:
Aortic dissection is a critical medical condition that occurs as a result of a tear or injury that occurs in the inner layer of the main blood vessel that carries blood out of the heart. This large blood vessel is called the aorta. The tear allows blood to flow through the inner and the middle layers of the aorta, causing both layers to separate or dissect. When this occurs, one of the symptoms which it presents is, the sudden severe pain that is noticeable on the chest or upper back.
Aortic dissection (AD) occurs when an injury to the innermost layer of the aorta allows blood to flow between the layers of the aortic wall, forcing the layers apart. In most cases, this is associated with a sudden onset of severe chest or back pain, often described as "tearing" in character.
