Cards 2 Flashcards
What is a pneumothorax?
Air in the pleural space that decreases gas exchange and causes lung compression
The lung pushes to the other side of the sternum during a pneumothorax.
What are common aetiologies of thoracic injuries?
Seat belt injury, crush injury, penetrating injury
These injuries can result in damage to the heart, lungs, and airway.
What imaging techniques are used to assess thoracic injuries?
X-ray for trauma, ultrasounds for cardiac injuries
Bleeding can be assessed, and air can be heard if there is a tracheal tear.
What is the purpose of underwater sealed drainage (UWSD)?
Allows air and fluid to drain from the pleural space
The water trap acts as a one-way valve, allowing air to escape.
What are the nursing priorities in trauma management for ICC?
Assess for swinging (patency), bubbling (pneumothorax), draining (gradual is wanted)
Ensure draining is secure, upright, and below the level of the chest.
What are common aetiologies of intra-abdominal trauma?
Seatbelt injuries, rapid deceleration, crush injuries, penetrating trauma
These can lead to complications such as sepsis and damage to great vessels.
What imaging techniques are used to detect free fluid in intra-abdominal trauma?
MRI, CT, X-ray, sonography
A positive result indicates the need to proceed to surgery.
What are potential complications of a fracture of a long bone?
Significant blood loss, fat emboli
These complications can arise from orthopaedic trauma.
What can rib fractures and flail chest potentially penetrate?
Pleura, lung, myocardium
They can lead to impaired respiratory function and airway clearance.
What is required for pelvic fractures due to their severity?
Close haemodynamic monitoring and stabilisation
Significant blood loss can result in hypovolemic shock.
What are the stages of bone repair?
- Haematoma (48-72 hrs)
- Granulation (1-4 wks)
- Callus formation (2-6 wks)
- Ossification (3 wks-6 months)
- Remodelling (6 wks-1 yr)
Each stage plays a crucial role in the healing process.
What are the 6P’s in neurovascular assessment?
Pain, pallor, paralysis, paraesthesia, pulses, polar
These indicators help assess neurovascular status.
What are some investigations conducted in trauma assessment?
Physical assessment, ECG, serum profiles, radiological investigations, sonography
These investigations help in diagnosing trauma-related injuries.
What is compartment syndrome?
Increased compartment pressure leading to cellular dysfunction, neural compression, and tissue ischemia
There are 46 anatomical compartments that can be affected.
What are the three types of aetiologies for compartment syndrome?
Decreased compartment size, increased compartment contents, external pressure
These factors contribute to the development of compartment syndrome.
