North Carolina EMT-Basic (EMT-B) State Practice Exam 2025 – All-in-One Study Guide for Exam Success!

Question: 1 / 400

What term describes a chest injury caused by a sudden blunt impact to the chest during a critical phase of the heart beat?

Cardiac arrest

Commotio cordis

The term that describes a chest injury caused by a sudden blunt impact to the chest during a critical phase of the heart's beat is commotio cordis. This condition typically occurs when a person experiences a blow to the chest, just at the moment when the heart is in the vulnerable period of the cardiac cycle, specifically during the repolarization phase (the T-wave). This can lead to a fatal arrhythmia, such as ventricular fibrillation, even in individuals who are otherwise healthy.

Understanding this phenomenon is crucial because it emphasizes the importance of protective measures in sports and activities that pose a risk for chest impacts. Recognizing commotio cordis not only aids in quick identification and response during emergencies but also highlights the need for awareness in scenarios where such injuries might occur, like contact sports.

Get further explanation with Examzify DeepDiveBeta

Thoracic trauma

Pneumothorax

Next Question

Report this question

Download North Carolina EMT-Basic (EMT-B) State Practice Exam PDF Study Guide
Subscribe

Get the latest from Examzify

You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our privacy policy