Florida State Paramedic Practice Exam

What term describes the damage to tissues due to a high-speed bullet?

1. Pneumothorax

2. Hemorrhage

3. Contusion

4. Cavitation

The correct answer is: Cavitation

Cavitation describes the phenomenon that occurs when a high-speed bullet travels through tissue, creating a temporary cavity larger than the bullet's physical diameter. This process is critical in understanding the extent of injury caused by ballistic trauma. When the bullet penetrates the tissue, it displaces the cells and creates a shock wave that spreads through the surrounding fluid, leading to significant damage far beyond the direct path of the bullet. The pressure changes as the bullet travels create a low-pressure area that can cause additional tissue disruption and can produce secondary effects like hemorrhage or further tissue necrosis. Understanding cavitation is crucial for emergency medical personnel and trauma surgeons, as it helps in assessing the severity of wounds and planning appropriate interventions. In contrast, other terms like pneumothorax refer specifically to air accumulation in the chest cavity, hemorrhage indicates blood loss, and contusion describes bruising or impact damage that does not necessarily involve penetrating injuries. Thus, while they are relevant to trauma, they do not encapsulate the unique process that occurs with high-velocity projectile injuries as effectively as cavitation does.