Respiratory disorders: Pulmonary Contusions and Hemorrhage

Question 1

True or False: Pulmonary contusions occur commonly in patients with blunt chest trauma, often appearing immediately after impact but resolving by 24 - 48 hours.

Answer 1

False, by 24 - 48 hours signs of pulmonary hemorrhage have worsened, resolving within 8 - 10 days after initial injury

Question 2

True or False: Hemoptysis is a common finding in patients with pulmonary hemorrhage.

Answer 2

False, it is uncommon and associated with severe lesions only

Question 3

Management of patients with pulmonary contusions include -?

Answer 3

Supportive, with oxygen therapy, fluid therapy (often associated with some degree of hypovolemic shock), and adequate analgesia

Question 4

Atraumatic pulmonary hemorrhage is often secondary to many disease processes including infectious diseases, coagulopathies, and neoplasia. What diagnostic testing is indicated for these patients?

Answer 4

CBC/ Chem, coagulogram, UA, and imaging

Arterial sampling is contraindicated until a coagulogram has been performed