A construction worker lost his footing and a large beam four times his weight re

Question

A construction worker lost his footing and a large beam four times his weight rested squarely on his chest. He is complaining of not being able to breathe. Assume the beam is still on his chest as you answer the following questions.

Knowing the mechanism of generation of inspiration from the respiratory center to the actual getting air into the lungs, discuss the possible cause of his breathlessness? (7 pts)

A good Samaritan at the scene offered the construction worker his asthma bronchodilater. Will the use of a bronchodilator help with this subject while the beam is still on his chest? Explain your answer. (5pts)

Laboratory analysis of a blood sample indicates that a condition of hypoxemia. Define hypoxemia. (3 pts)

What will be the eventual consequence on the unavailability of oxygen to the tissues and energy supplies? Explain your answer in detail. (5 pts)

Explanation / Answer

A respiratory cycle starts at the respiratory centre during which the chest gradually expands by forward and upward movement of ribs and the downward displacement of diaphragm due to contraction of the intercostals and muscles of the diaphragm respectively. As a result pressure is lowered in the chest cavity and air from the outside gushes in. In this case, as the heavy beam rested on the chest the chest failed to expand, due to which inspiration was not possible. As a result the worker was experiencing breathlessness.

Due to failed inspiration, there will be low oxygen intake as a result the body will suffer hypoxia. The tissues will be deprived of oxygen. Anaerobic respiration takes place and pH of blood will be lowered. In gross, all these conditions lead to tissue necrosis and ultimately organ failure which if not treated immediate might be fatal.

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