UNIT 4: Trauma Flashcards
Is trauma more common in men or women
Men
Golden hour
Recovery rate is best if pt is stabilized within the first hour after the trauma
Trauma centers (Level 1-4)
• Level 1: university-based center, research facility, or large medical center, most comprehensive emergency care available
• Level 2: 24 hour specialized care but not a research or university hospital, some specialty physicians are not available 24 hours a day
• Level 3: Ability to resuscitate and stabilize victims for transfer to a larger facility
• Level 4: clinics or outpatient facilities that transfer patients out
Blunt trauma
non-penetrating trauma or blunt force by impact
• MVA (Motor Vehicle Accidents)
• Falls
• Assault
Closed Head Injuries
most common traumatic brain injury (TBI) in which brain matter is not exposed or penetrated
Coup injury vs Countercoup injury
• Coup Injury- the injury occuring on the same side as the site of impact
• Contrecoup injury- damage to the brain on the side opposite the point of impact as a result of the brain hitting the skull
Watch for signs of neurological deficit from coup/countercoup injuries
• N/V (Nausea/Vomiting)
• Loss of Consciousness
• Slurred Speech
• Confusion/Agitation
• Seizure
Penetrating trauma
when an object pierces the skin and enters a tissue of the body, creating an open wound
• GSW (Gun Shot Wound)
• Stab wounds
• Impalement injuries
• Foreign body ingestion
Explosive trauma
aka blast injury: injury resulting from direct or indirect exposure to an explosion
• Pressure shock waves
• High-velocity projectiles
• Burns
Heat trauma
Burn injuries are classified 1st-4th degree
•fire
•steam
•chemicals
•electricity
•radiation
•frostbite
First-Fourth degree burns
Caring for burn patients
• Inhalation of hot gasses may cause pleural effusion or pneumonia
• Chest X-rays are the usual radiography procedure ordered
• Use reverse/ protective isolation technique
• Movement may cause severe pain
• Ensure patient has pain medications prior to X-ray if possible
Trauma Equipment
• Mobile x-ray machine
• Ceiling mounted stationary tubes
• Lodox Xmplar Total Body Scanner
What modality has largely replaced diagnostic x-rays for trauma patients but has increased patient dose
CT
Role of the Radiographer
• Speed
• Accuracy
• Quality
• Positioning
• Immobilization
• Safety
• Anticipation
• Attention to Detail
• Scope of Practice
• Professionalism
Recognize the Signs
• Vital Signs:
• HR 70-82 bpm
• BP 100/140 60/90
• Change in mental status or consciousness
• Blood or fluid loss
• Loss of sensation or bowel/urine control or N/V
• Medication side effects
Patient Care in trauma
• Never assume a patient can’t hear or understand you!
• Pay attention to verbal and nonverbal signals
• Eye contact if possible
• Watch for changes in patient condition:
• Diaphoresis(Sweating)
• Confusion/Agitation
• N/V (nausea/vomiting)
• LOC (Loss of conscience)
• Increasing abdominal pain and distension
• Know the location of crash cart
T or F: For fractures of the hip, watch for extreme eversion of the foot
True
Imaging the hip/pelvis
• WATCH FOR SIGNS OF HYPOVOLEMIC SHOCK AND ABDOMINAL DISTENSION (internal bleeding)
• Reassess pt condition repeatedly
• DO NOT INTERNALLY ROTATE LOWER LIMBS
• IMMOBILIZERS MUST NOT BE REMOVED FOR IMAGING unless approved by MD
Judet method views
-Oblique views of the acetabulum
•14 X 17 CW IR
•RPO and LPO patient, use sponge if possible
•For UNILATERAL CR enters 2” inferior to ASIS of the affected side
•For Pelvis (when imaging both(BILATERAL) at the same time) CR enters 1”-1.5” from the MSP on the elevated side halfway between PS and ASIS
Judet method Internal Oblique
• Internal Obl = affected side up
• Anterior Iliopubic column - ilium and pubis from ASIS to pubic symphysis
• Posterior rim of acetabulum
Judet method External Oblique
• External Obl = affected side down
• Posterior Ilioischial column
• Anterior rim of acetabulum
AP AXIAL PELVIS - OUTLET PROJECTION TAYLOR METHOD
• IR SIZE: 14 X 17 CW IR with grid
• Supine patient
• flex knees slightly if possible
• CR enters MSP 2” inferior to pubic symphysis
• Women: 30-45 degrees cephalic
• Men: 20-35 degrees cephalic
• Suspend respiration
AP AXIAL PELVIS - OUTLET PROJECTION TAYLOR METHOD Evaluation Criteria
- Pubic rami without foreshortening
- Superimposition of pubic bones over sacrum/coccyx
- Obturator foramen symmetric and open
- Symmetry of pelvis and hips
AP AXIAL PELVIS - OUTLET PROJECTION TAYLOR METHOD male vs female
AP AXIAL PELVIS - INLET PROJECTION BRIDGEMAN METHOD
• 14 X 17 CW IR with grid
• Supine patient
• Flex knees slightly if possible
• CR: MSP at level of ASIS, 40 degrees caudal
• Suspend respiration
AP AXIAL PELVIS - INLET PROJECTION BRIDGEMAN METHOD Evaluation Criteria
- Pelvic ring/inlet
- Superimposed superior and inferior pubic rami
- Nearly superimposed superior and inferior borders of ischial bones
- Symmetry of pelvis and hips
Pelvic trauma images
Transthoracic Lateral Humerus (Lawerence method)
• 10 X 12 IR LW with grid
• Elevate unaffected arm
• CR perpendicular to MCP at surgical neck
• Full inspiration or breathing technique
If supine, build the patient up off the table with pads