NREMT Paramedic Practice

What is the primary cause of pulmonary contusion?

1. Infection in the lungs

2. Rapid deceleration forces

3. Exposure to toxic fumes

4. Direct lung injury from a stab wound

The correct answer is: Rapid deceleration forces

The primary cause of pulmonary contusion is rapid deceleration forces. This type of injury typically occurs during high-energy impacts, such as those seen in motor vehicle accidents or falls from significant heights. In these scenarios, the lungs can sustain trauma due to the sudden stop or change in speed, leading to bruising of the lung tissue. This bruising can result in bleeding and inflammation within the lungs, compromising their function and exchange of gases. While infection in the lungs, exposure to toxic fumes, and direct lung injury from a stab wound can cause serious respiratory issues, they do not primarily result in a pulmonary contusion. Infection leads to pneumonia, toxic fume exposure can cause chemical lung injury, and a stab wound can create lacerations or punctures; however, these mechanisms differ from the direct mechanical impact and shearing forces that characterize pulmonary contusion injuries due to rapid deceleration.