4. Thoracic Trauma Flashcards
A large amount of blood (how much?) drained from a haemothorax requires what management?
If a haemothorax drains 1.5L or more, urgen thoracotomy is indicated.
Where does a chest drain go?
Fifth intercostal space, just anterior to midaxillar line.
Cardiac tamponade: cardinal signs?
Muffled heart sounds
Hypotension
Distended veins
Tamponade is associated with which cardiac arrest rhythm?
PEA
What do you do in traumatic cardiac arrest if no ROSC after doing closed CPR?
Bilateral chest decompression
If that fails:
Thoracotomy and vertical pericardiotomy
What size tube should be used to drain a haemothorax?
28 to 32 French
What is the most common potentially lethal chest inury?
Pulmoanry contusion: bruising of the lung, leading to blood and fluids building up in lung tissue, interfering with ventilation.
What are the most common ECG findings in cardiac contusion?
Premature ventricular contractiosn Unexplained sinus tachycardia Atrial fibrillation Bundle branch block ST segment changes
Radiographic signs of aortic injury:
Widened mediastinum
Obliteration of the aortic knob
Best screening tool for suspected blunt aortic injury?
helical contrast-enhanced CT
In blunt aortic injury, what can be done to reduce likelihood of rupture
Heart rate and blood pressure control.
Beta blocker
Which side is diaphragmatic injury most common?
L side
