What is a common sign of a pulmonary blast injury?

What is a common sign of a pulmonary blast injury?

• A. Multiple rib fractures.
• B. An irregular pulse.
• C. Coughing up blood.
• D. Vomiting blood.

Answer: (C)

Coughing up blood, also known as hemoptysis, is a common sign of a pulmonary blast injury. This occurs when explosive forces damage the lung tissue, leading to bleeding within the airways or alveoli. The blast can create significant pressure changes that affect the lungs, causing injury and resulting in the production of blood-stained sputum when the patient coughs. This symptom is particularly indicative of trauma affecting the respiratory system, as it suggests that the blood originates from the lungs rather than other parts of the body. Identifying this sign is crucial for emergency medical personnel since it indicates a severe injury that may require urgent evaluation and intervention. The other options can sometimes relate to traumatic injuries, but they are not as specifically associated with pulmonary blast injuries as coughing up blood.

Coughing up blood, also known as hemoptysis, is a common sign of a pulmonary blast injury. This occurs when explosive forces damage the lung tissue, leading to bleeding within the airways or alveoli. The blast can create significant pressure changes that affect the lungs, causing injury and resulting in the production of blood-stained sputum when the patient coughs.

This symptom is particularly indicative of trauma affecting the respiratory system, as it suggests that the blood originates from the lungs rather than other parts of the body. Identifying this sign is crucial for emergency medical personnel since it indicates a severe injury that may require urgent evaluation and intervention. The other options can sometimes relate to traumatic injuries, but they are not as specifically associated with pulmonary blast injuries as coughing up blood.