Blunt Force Trauma: Practice Question

Which of the following is associated with blunt impact of the chest during a critical phase of the cardiac electrical cycle?
  1. Most commonly causes death during repolarization of the T wave
  2. Most commonly causes death during polarization of the P wave.
  3. Usually associated with pre-cordial soft tissue hemorrhage.
  4. The mechanism of death is mechanical compression.
  5. Referred to as commotio cerebri.
Show Answer and Explanations

Most commonly causes death during repolarization of the T wave — Correct answer

Correct. Commotio cordis is most likely to cause death during repolarization of the T wave.

Most commonly causes death during polarization of the P wave.

Incorrect. Most commonly causes death during repolarization of the T wave.

Usually associated with pre-cordial soft tissue hemorrhage.

Incorrect. There is usually no trauma identified.

The mechanism of death is mechanical compression.

Incorrect. The mechanism of death is dysrhythmia from disturbance of the electrical conduction system.

Referred to as commotio cerebri.

Incorrect. It is referred to commotio cordis; commotio cerebri is from blunt force trauma to the head.

Summary

Summary: Commotio cordis, from blunt impact of the chest during a critical phase of the cardiac electrical cycle, is most likely to cause death during repolarization of the T wave. There is usually no to minimal trauma identified.
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