AG2-Chest trauma Flashcards
What are cardiac complications of chest trauma?
Cardiac tamponade, pericarditis, myocardial contusion, acute aortic rupture
What are chest wall complications of chest trauma?
Rib fractures, flail chest, diaphragm injury, and esophageal injury
What are lung complications of chest trauma?
Pulmonary contusion, pneumothorax, and hemothorax
What is a pulmonary contusion?
When there is bleeding around the alveoli
Symptoms indicating pulmonary contusion?
May be asymptomatic at first and later develop respiratory failure and possibly PNA.
Lung sounds with pulmonary contusion?
Decreased breath sounds, crackles, wheezes
What is the tx for pulmonary contusion?
Maintenance of ventilation and oxygenation
Pain management for rib fractures?
Nerve block or epidural
What classifies a massive hemothorax?
More than 1L of blood
What classifies a simple hemothorax?
Less than 1L of blood
What are signs of tension pneumothorax?
Agitation, cyanosis, neck vein distention, hyper resonance on percussion, subcutaneous emphysema,. They will not exhibit bilateral diminished breath sounds.
When is no tx appropriate for a pneumothorax?
When a patient is stable with minimal air and/or fluid accumulation in the intrapleural space, as condition may resolve spontaneously.
What does it mean when the chest tube drainage system has continuous bubbling?
Air leak
What does intermittent bubbling with breathing mean?
Normal
Can we ever clamp a chest tube ?
No, unless the drainage system is full and needs to be replaced
