Trauma I Flashcards
Rapid Overview
Initial impression
Few seconds
Stable vs. unstable
Inability to oxygenate → brain injury & death w/in _____ minutes
5-10
Primary Survey
Identify & address life-threatening injuries Airway patency Breathing Circulation Disability (neuro/mental status) Exposure
What are the most common trauma causes in patients < 45yo?
MVA
Falls
Suicide
Homicide
Secondary Survey
Detailed & systematic evaluation
Head to toe assessment
Continued resuscitation as needed
GCS
Glasgow coma score - Eye opening response - Verbal response - Motor response Normal 15/15 < 8 → intubate
Airway
Keep ‘em breathing
100% oxygen
Airway Obstructions
Edema or direct injury Cervical deformity or hematoma Foreign body Dyspnea, hoarseness, stridor, dysphonia Subcutaneous emphysema & crepitus Hemoptysis and/or oral bleeding Copious secretions Tracheal deviation = tension pneumothorax EMERGENCY ↓CO → cardio-respiratory arrest Jugular venous distension Hemodynamic condition (internal bleeding)
Trauma Airway Management Considerations
- 100% oxygen admin
- Jaw thrust > chin lift (avoid neck manipulation)
- Full stomach d/t SNS response
- Oral and/or nasal airway
- Cervical spine immobilization
- Ventilation inadequate → tracheal intubation
Basilar Skull Fracture S/S
Battle sign - bruising behind ears
Raccoon eyes
Ears and/or nose bleeding or CSF leak
When to perform ETT intubation?
Cardiac or respiratory arrest
Respiratory insufficiency or deteriorating condition
Airway protection
Pain control - deep sedation or analgesia
GCS < 8
Carbon monoxide treatment 100% FiO2 delivery
Facilitate work-up in uncooperative (anoxic) or intoxicated patient
Transient hyperventilation TBI required
Tracheostomy
Longer to perform as compared to cricothyroidotomy
Requires neck extension (contraindicated when neck trauma or cervical injury present)
Surgical Cricothyroidotomy
Emergency placement up to 72 hours Vertical incision to prevent RLN injury Complications: 1. Esophageal perforation 2. SQ emphysema 3. Bleeding or hemorrhage Contraindicated in patients < 12yo (potential laryngeal damage)
Needle Cricothryoidotomy
Less effective ventilation
Smaller diameter ↑resistance
Pediatrics
RSI Indications
All traumas = full stomach
SNS response diverts blood flow away from GI tract
Cricoid pressure at C6
Trauma & Depolarizing NMBs (Succinylcholine administration)
Okay 1st 24 hours after burns or spinal cord injury
After 1st 24 hours → nAChR UPregulation
Excessive K+ release → hyperkalemia
Induction Agents
Etomidate 0.2-0.3mg/kg IV (cardiac stable)
Ketamine 2-4mg/kg IV or 4-10mg/kg IM (direct myocardial depression typically masked by SNS stimulation)
Propofol 2mg/kg IV
NMBs
Succinylcholine
Dose 1-1.5mg/kg IV Onset 30 seconds Fasciculations DOA 5-12 minutes De-fasciculating dose Rocuronium 5mg
NMBs
Rocuronium
Dose 1.2mg/kg IV
Onset 30-60 seconds
Modified RSI + mask ventilation
DOA 60-90 minutes
Cervical Spine Clearance
Maintain stabilization until x-ray clearance C1-C7
Ensure patient not obtunded, sedated, or ETOH intoxication
Patient needs to be able to communicate any pain or paresthesias present
What keeps the diaphragm alive?
C4-C5
INTUBATE
C6-C7
Unable to clear secretions or cough
Intubate
Hemothorax S/S
Blood present in pleural cavity
- Hypotension
- Hypoxemia
- Tachycardia
- ↑CVP
Hemothorax Treatment
Chest tube
Possible PRBC transfusion
Single lumen ETT to secure airway → double lumen ETT
Pneumothorax
Definition/Types/Treatment
Gas present w/in pleural spaces disrupts parietal or visceral pleura
1. Simple
2. Communicating
3. Tension
Treatment = chest tube when > 20% lung collapsed
Tension Pneumothorax S/S
Occurs w/ rib fractures & barotrauma d/t mechanical ventilation
Hypotension Hypoxemia Tachycardia ↑CVP Diminished breath sounds on affected side Tracheal deviation → cardiac arrest
Tension Pneumothorax Treatment
NEEDLE DECOMPRESSION
Anterior approach 2nd/3rd ICS midclavicular line
Lateral 4th/5th intercostal space
Flail Chest
At least 2 ribs fractured
Costochondral separation
Sternal fracture
Paradoxical rib/chest wall movement retract on inhalation & outward on exhalation
Respiratory insufficiency & hypoxemia over several hours w/ deterioration on CXR & ABG