Trauma 1 Flashcards
what is the trimodal distribution of deaths
immediate death (minutes) early deaths late deaths (weeks)
examples of immediate deaths
Severe brain or high spinal cord injury, ruptured heart or aorta – rapid exsanguination
examples of early deaths (within an hour)
Subdural and epidural hematomas, hemopneumothorax
major intraabdominal injuries
pelvic fractures
examples of late deaths
sepsis
multiple organ system dysfunction
severe head injury
what are the ABCDEs
Airway Breathign Circulation Disability- neuro status Exposure/ Environmental scale
lowest GCS you can have
3
highest GCS
14
things to assume w/ every trauma injury
Every patient has a c-spine injury until proven otherwise
Altered mental status is a head injury until proven otherwise
Hypotension is from hemorrhage until proven otherwise
Beware the snakes
A combative or agitated patient may be intoxicated, have a closed head injury, or may be what?
acutely hypoxic or hypotensive and trying to die!
______ will often have normal heart rates in the face of significant hypovolemia
Athletes
who may have “normal VS” despite significant blood loss?
pregnant women
does a “normal” c-spine x-ray clear the c-spine?
No, there is 1-15% risk of significant c-spine injuries w/ normal x-ray
what skull fracture do you need r/o before placing a NG tube
basilar skull fracture
what does AMPLE stand for?
Allergies Meds Past illnesses/ Preggo Last meal Events/ Environment related to the injury
should a trauma patient be unattended?
No- always go with them to x-ray or CT scanner
