Trauma Flashcards
A blunt cerebrovascular injury to the neck often occurs with deceleration. What vessels are often affected?
Internal Carotid arteries
Vertebral arteries
How will injury to the Internal Carotid/Vertebral arteries present?
Focal neurological deficit – like a stroke
What is Flail Chest?
> 3 consecutive rib levels with > 2 breaks in each
> 3 consecutive rib levels with > 2 breaks in each is called?
Flail chest
How will Flail Chest present?
Paradoxical motion
= As chest expands with inspiration, the portion of ribs affected will compress and vice versa with expiration they will expand
If Flail chest is present, what diagnostic studies should be obtained?
X-ray/CT and possibly CTA
What is the treatment for Flail Chest?
ORIF with pain management
What pain medication should be given for Flail Chest or severe rib fractures?
Anesthetics – opioids will decrease respiratory rate and do not want that
Hemothorax is blood in the pleural space often due to?
Rib fracture that lacerates intercostal arteries
How will a Hemothorax present?
Decreased lung sounds and DULLNESS to percussion
What will be seen on X-ray with Hemothorax?
Horizontal Meniscus
What are 2 treatment options for a Hemothorax?
Thoracostomy (chest tube)
Thoracotomy to stop bleed if severe
Pneumothorax is air in the pleural space. How will it present?
Decreased lung sounds and HYPERRESONANCE to percussion
What is the treatment for a Pneumothorax? Tension Pneumothorax?
Thoracostomy (chest tube)
– Needle thoracostomy for Tension Pneumothorax
What extra sign can be present with a Tension Pneumothorax that will not be present with a regular Pneumothorax?
Distended jugular veins due to compression of venous structures
A Pulmonary Contusion often occurs following chest trauma. How will it present?
Worsening hypoxia/dyspnea and tachypnea following the trauma