OSHA 10-Hour Construction ReviewHealth Hazards in ConstructionHard
A construction worker is diagnosed with Raynaud's phenomenon, a condition that causes blood vessels in the fingers and toes to narrow when exposed to cold. This worker frequently works in unheated areas during winter. What type of cold stress-related injury is most directly associated with the symptoms of Raynaud's phenomenon?
- AChilblains
- BHypothermia
- CFrostbite
- DTrench foot
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: C. Frostbite
Raynaud's phenomenon involves severe vasoconstriction, reducing blood flow to extremities. This significantly increases susceptibility to frostbite, where tissue freezes due to prolonged exposure to freezing temperatures, as the body struggles to keep the affected areas warm.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Chilblains are painful inflammation of small blood vessels in the skin, typically caused by repeated exposure to cold but not freezing temperatures, and are less severe than frostbite.
- B. Hypothermia is a dangerous drop in core body temperature, not directly related to localized vasoconstriction like Raynaud's.
- D. Trench foot is caused by prolonged exposure to cold and wet conditions, not necessarily freezing, and involves nerve and tissue damage without freezing.
Raynaud's Phenomenon & Cold Injury
Raynaud's phenomenon, characterized by reduced blood flow to extremities in response to cold, significantly increases an individual's susceptibility to localized cold injuries, particularly frostbite.
- Causes blood vessel narrowing in fingers/toes.
- Triggered by cold temperatures.
- Increases risk of tissue freezing (frostbite).
Memory trick: Raynaud's restricts flow, makes freezing a go!