Dr. P's notes Flashcards
Which is taken care of first, the airway, or a cervical spine issue?
Airway
If there is SQ emphysema in the neck, then what type of device is used to place an airway? Why?
Endoscope
Is a sign of major trauma to the tracheobronchial tree
What happens to CVP with tension pneumothorax and pericardial tamponade respectively?
Both elevated
What is the type of fluid used in the trauma patient
2 L of LR, followed by packed RBCs
Is it appropriate to wait to obtain a CXR for a tension pneumothorax?
No
What is the treatment for cardiogenic shock?
Do not administer fluids or blood–circulatory support
What happens to CVP with cardiogenic shock?
Increased
What is the general indication for surgical treatment of a skull fracture?
Left alone if they are closed–open, comminuted, or depressed fractures require surgical intervention
What other part of the body must be assessed/imaged if there is a basilar skull fracture?
C-spine
What type of intubation must be avoided in patients with a basilar skull fracture?
Nasotracheal
What are the three components that can cause neurological damage in the head trauma patient?
- Initial blow
- Hematoma that develops afterward
- Increased ICP
What is the classic sequence of events for an epidural hematoma?
Trauma, unconsciousness, lucid interval, coma
Lens-shaped hematoma = ?
Epidural
Semilunar, crescent shaped infarct = ?
Subdural hematoma
True or false: mannitol is contraindicated in an acute subdural hematoma
False–indicated.
What is the treatment for diffuse axonal injury?
Decrease ICP
What is the cause of a subdural hematoma?
Rupture of bridging veins
True or false: hypovolemic shock cannot happen from intracrainial bleeding
True–not enough space for the bleed
What is the general workup for penetrating neck trauma to the upper zone?
Arteriographic study
What is the general workup for penetrating neck trauma to the base of the neck?
arteriography
Esophagogram
Esophagoscopy
True or false: Stab wounds to the upper and middle zones in asymptomatic patients can be safely observed.
True
What are the s/sx of Brown-Sequard syndrome?
Loss of pain contralateral
Loss of proprioception ipsilateral
What are the s/sx of anterior cord syndrome?
Loss of motor function and loss of pain/ temp sensation on both side distal to the injury
-Preserved proprioception and vibratory sense
What is the cause, and s/sx of central cord syndrome?
Forced hyperextension of the neck
-Paralysis and burning pain in the UE, but normal LE