The phase of an explosion, or blast, in which hollow organs are squeezed and may rupture is called the __________ phase.

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Multiple Choice

The phase of an explosion, or blast, in which hollow organs are squeezed and may rupture is called the __________ phase.

Primary blast injuries come from the initial overpressure of an explosion. That sudden pressure spike travels through the body and tends to squeeze gas-filled and hollow organs, making rupture of hollow viscera like portions of the stomach or intestines possible, as well as causing lung injury. Other phases involve injuries from shrapnel (secondary), from being thrown and colliding with objects (tertiary), or from burns, inhalation, and other explosion-related effects (quaternary). Therefore, the described phase is the primary blast phase.

Primary blast injuries come from the initial overpressure of an explosion. That sudden pressure spike travels through the body and tends to squeeze gas-filled and hollow organs, making rupture of hollow viscera like portions of the stomach or intestines possible, as well as causing lung injury. Other phases involve injuries from shrapnel (secondary), from being thrown and colliding with objects (tertiary), or from burns, inhalation, and other explosion-related effects (quaternary). Therefore, the described phase is the primary blast phase.

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