Trauma Flashcards
what can block an airway s/p trauma
expanding hematoma or emphysema
s/p trauma: how to check if an airway is present
conscious and speaking in a normal tone of voice
main way to secure airway; another option?
orotracheal intubation guided by use of laryngoscope; nasotracheal intubation over fiber optic bronchoscope
when is the use of fiberoptic bronchoscope mandatory?
when there is subq emphysema in the neck, which is a sign of major traumatic disruption of the tracheobronchial tree.
indication for cricothyroidotomy?
any reason intubation cannot be done in the usual manner and time is running out; some examples being: laryngospasm, severe maxillofacial injuries, an impacted foreign body that cannot be dislodged.
treatment of hemorrhagic shock in an urban setting (w/ big trauma center nearby) compared to everywhere else
surgical intervention to stop bleeding and THEN volume replacement
VS
volume replacement as the first step in all other settings
how to replace volume in traumatic setting?
2L lactate ringers (or NS) followed by Packed Red cells until urinary output reaches 0.5-2mL/kg/h; DO NOT EXCEED CVP OF 15mmHg
can’t get access to veins in arms? next step…
femoral vein catheter or saphenous vein cutdowns (when you expose a vein surgically and then a cannula is inserted to the vein) as alternatives.
management of pericardial tamponade
prompt evacuation of pericardial sac (pericardiocentesis, tube, pericardial window, or open thoracotomy)
Management of tension pneumothorax
big needle or IV catheter into pleural space. Follow w/ chest tube connected to underwater seal
signs of vasomotor shock
ciruclatory collapse occurs in flushed, “pink and warm” patient. CVP is low.
Dealing with vasomotor shock
pharmacologic treatment to restore peripheral resistance.
how to deal with linear skull fractures?
left alone if they are closed (no overlying wound); if fragmented or depressed, they have to be treated in the OR
indication for CT following head trauma; what happens if negative?
Head trauma + loss of consciousness; to check for intracranial hematomas; if negative and neurologically intact, pt can go home if the family will wake them up frequently during the next 24 hours to make sure they are not going into coma
signs of fracture affecting base of skull; next step?
raccoon eyes, rhinorrhea, otorrhea or ecchymosis behind the ear; main concern when we see this is cspine integrity so we get CT to assess integrity of cervical spine
evidence of acute epidural hematoma
sequence of trauma, unconsciousness, lucid interval, gradual lapsing into coma again, fixed dilated pupil (usually on the side of the hematoma) and contralateral hemiparesis with decerebrate posture.
subdural hematoma ct image?
http://drarunlnaik.com/yahoo_site_admin/assets/images/subduralhaematoma.111141517_std.jpg….semilunar, crescent shaped hematoma
epidural hematoma ct image?
http://classconnection.s3.amazonaws.com/33/flashcards/602033/jpg/epidural_hematoma_21346694332707.jpg….biconvex, lens shaped
signs of subdural hematoma
trauma is much bigger than epidural and pts have severe neurologic damage from initial blow of traumatic event.
management of epidural hematoma
emergency craniotomy
management of subdural hematoma
to deal with cranial deviations, can do craniotomy, w/o deviation, treatment is aimed at reducing ICP w/ mannitol/furosemide, hyperventilate (increase CO2)
recognizing diffusing axonal injury on CT; management?
blurring of the gray-white matter interface and multiple punctate hemorrhages. just prevent further damn from increased ICP
chronic subdural hematoma more likely in what kind of pts?
occurs in very old and severe alchy’s.
causes of chronic subdural hematoma? symptoms?
shrunken brain rattled around the head by minor trauma, tearing venous sinuses; over several days or weeks, mental function deteriorates as hematoma forms
management of gunshot wounds to the neck
upper zone involvement: arteriographic diagnosis and management is preferred.
base of neck: arteriography, esophagogram (water-soluble, then barium if negative) esophagoscopy and bronchoscopy before surgery can help decide specific surgical approach
management of stab wounds to the neck
damage to the upper and middle zones in asymp pt.s can be safely observed
how can hemisection of spinal cord present
paralysis and loss of proprioception distal to the injury on the injury sdide and loss of pain perception distal to the injury contralaterally
Anterior cord syndrome; usually seen in burst fractures of vetebral bodies
loss of motor function and loss of pain and temp on both sides distal to injury, with preservation of vibratory positional sense.
central cord syndrome…what is it and what population does it occur in?
There is paralysis and burning pain in the upper extremities, w/ preservation of most functions in the lower extremities; elderly w/ forced hyperextension of the neck
Progression of symptoms seen in elderly pt with chest trauma; how to treat it?
pain, hypoventilation, atelectasis, pneumonia; w/ local nerve block and epidural cath.
management of a pneumothorax
Chest xray, place chest tube and connect underwater seal
hemothorax diagnosis and management
diagnosis: dullness to percussion on affected side and chest xray.
management: place chest tube to evacuate chest…usually bleeding is caused by lung vessels so bleeding should stop quickly (low pressure)…sometimes can occur 2/2 systemic vessels and bleed a lot….THORACOTOMY necessary if: >1500mL evacuated first time or >250ml/hr evacuated over the following 4-5hrs
flail chest management
Concern for underlying pulmonary contusion which is sensitive to volume–> fluid restriction and use of diuretics; if a respirator is needed, B/L chest tubes are advisable to prevent tension pneumothorax from developing
pulmonary contusion diagnosis
right after chest trauma can show up as deteriorating blood gases and “white out” of the lungs on chest x-ray, or it can appear up to 48 hrs later.
diagnosis and management of rupture of diaphragm
diagnosis: bowel in the chest (through exam and xray) always on the left side…suspicious cases should undergo laparoscopy
management: surgical repair, done usually from the abdomen