Trauma Assessment and Management, Exams of Nursing

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TNCC 2024 WRITTEN EXAM

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What are the late signs of breathing compromise? - Correct Answer-- Tracheal deviation

• JVD What are signs of ineffective breathing? - Correct Answer-- AMS
• Cyanosis, especially around the mouth
• Asymmetric expansion of chest wall
• Paradoxical movement of the chest wall during inspiration and expiration
• Use of accessory muscles or abdominal muscles or both or diaphragmatic breathing
• Sucking chest wounds
• Absent or diminished breath sounds
• Administer O2 via NRB or assist ventilations with a bag-mask device, as indicated
• Anticipate definitive airway management to support ventilation. Upon initial assessment, what type of oxygen should be used for a pt breathing effectively? - Correct Answer-A tight-fitting nonrebreather mask at 12-15 lpm. What intervention should be done if a pt presents with effective circulation? - Correct Answer-- Insert 2 large caliber IV's
• Administer warmed isotonic crystalloid solution at an appropriate rate What are signs of ineffective circulation? - Correct Answer-- Tachycardia
• AMS
• Uncontrolled external bleeding
• Pale, cool, moist skin

• Distended or abnormally flattened external jugular veins
• Distant heart sounds What are the interventions for Effective/Ineffective Circulation? - Correct Answer-- Control any uncontrolled external bleeding by:
• Applying direct pressure over bleeding site
• Elevating bleeding extremity
• Applying pressure over arterial pressure points
• Using tourniquet (last resort).
• Cannulate 2 large-caliber IV's and initiate infusions of an isotonic crystalloid solution
• Use warmed solution
• Use pressure bags to increase speed of IVF infusion
• Use blood administration tubing for possible administration of blood
• Use rapid infusion device based on protocol
• Use NS 0.9% in same tubing as blood product
• IV = surgical cut-down, central line, or both.
• Blood sample to determine ABO and Rh group
• IO in sternum, legs, arms or pelvis
• Administer blood products
• PASG (without interfering with fluid resuscitation) What are factors that contribute to ineffective ventilation? - Correct Answer-- AMS
• LOC
• Neurologic injury
• Spinal Cord Injury
• Intracranial Injury
• Blunt trauma
• Pain caused by rib fractures
• Penetrating Trauma
• Preexisting hx of respiratory diseases
• Increased age What medications are used during intubation? - Correct Answer-LOAD Mnemonic: L = Lidocaine O = Opioids A = Atropine D = Defasciculating agents

What are the Rapid Sequence Intubation Steps? - Correct Answer- PREPARATION:

• gather equipment, staffing, etc. PREOXYGENATION:
• Use 100% O2 (prevent risk of aspiration). PRETREATMENT:
• Decrease S/E's of intubation PARALYSIS WITH INDUCTION:
• Pt has LOC, then administer neuromuscular blocking agent PROTECTION AND POSITIONING:
• Apply pressure over cricoid cartilage (minimizes likelihood of vomiting and aspiration PLACEMENT WITH PROOF
• Each attempt NOT to exceed 30 seconds, max of 3 attempts. Ventilate pt 30-60 seconds between attempts.
• After intubation, inflate the cuff
• Confirm tube placement w/exhaled CO2 detector. POSTINTUBATION MANAGEMENT:
• Secure ET tube
• Set ventilator settings
• Obtain Chest x-ray
• Continue to medicate
• Recheck VS and pulse oximetry What is a Combi tube? - Correct Answer-A dual-lumen, dual-cuff airway that can be placed blindly into the esophagus to establish an airway. If inadvertently placed into trachea, it can be used as a temporary ET tube. There are only two sizes: small adult and larger adult. What is a Laryngeal Mask Airway? - Correct Answer-Looks like an ET tube but is equipped with an inflatable, elliptical, silicone rubber collar at the distal end. It is designed to cover the supraglottic area. ILMA, does not require laryngoscopy and visualization of the chords. What is Needle Cricothyrotomy - Correct Answer-Percutaneous transtracheal ventilation. (temporary) Complications include:

• inadequate ventilation causing hypoxia
• hematoma formation
• esophageal perforation
• aspiration
• thyroid perforation
• subcutaneous emphysema What is Surgical Cricothyrotomy? - Correct Answer-Making an incision in cricothyroid membrane and placing a cuffed endo or trach tube into trachea. This is indicated when other methods of airway management have failed and pt cannot be adequately ventilated and oxygenated. Complications include:
• Aspiration
• Hemorrhage or hematoma formation or both
• Lac to trachea or esophagus
• Creation of a false passage
• Laryngeal stenosis How do you confirm ET Tube/Alternative Airway Placement? - Correct Answer-- Visualization of the chords
• Using bronchoscope to confirm placement
• Listening to breath sounds over the epigastrium and chest walls while ventilating the pt
• CO2 detector
• Esophageal detection device
• Chest x-ray How do you inspect the chest for adequate ventilation? - Correct Answer- Observe:
• mental status
• RR and pattern
• chest wall symmetry
• any injuries
• patient's skin color (cyanosis?)
• JVD or tracheal deviation? (Tension pneumothorax) What are you looking for when auscultating lung sounds? - Correct Answer- Absence of BS:
• Pneumothorax

• Hemothorax
• Airway Obstruction Diminished BS:
• Splinting or shallow BS may be a result of pain What are you looking for when percussing the chest? - Correct Answer- Dullness:
• hemothorax Hyperresonance
• Pneumothorax What are you looking for when palpating the chest wall, clavicles and neck? - Correct Answer-- Tenderness
• Swelling
• subcutaneous emphysema
• step-off deformities = These may indicate: esophageal, pleural, tracheal or bronchial injuries. Palpate trachea above suprasternal notch. Tracheal deviation may indicate a tension pneumothorax or massive hemothorax. What is the DOPE mnemonic? - Correct Answer-D - Displaced tube O - Obstruction: Check secretions or pt biting tube P - Pneumothorax: Condition may occur from original trauma or barotrauma from ventilator E - Equipment failure: pt may have become detached from equipment or there's a kink in the tubing Explain Hypovolemic Shock. - Correct Answer-Most common to affect a trauma pt cause by hypovolemia.. Hypovolemia, a decrease in amount of circulating blood volume, may result from significant loss of whole blood because of hemorrhage or from loss of semipermeable integrity of cellular membrane leading to leakage of plasma and protein from intravascular space to the interstitial space (as in a burn). Some causes:
• Blood loss
• Burns, etc. Explain Cardiogenic Shock. - Correct Answer-Syndrome that results from ineffective perfusion caused by inadequate contractility of cardiac muscle.

Some causes: MI, Blunt cardiac injury, Mitral valve insufficiency, dysrhythmias, Cardiac Failure Explain Obstructive Shock. - Correct Answer-Results from inadequate circulating blood volume because of an obstruction or compression of great veins, aorta, pulmonary arteries, or heart itself. Some causes:

• Cardiac tamponade (may compress the heart during diastole to such an extent that atria cannot adequately fill, leading to decreased stroke volume).
• Tension pneumothorax may lead to inadequate stroke volume by displacing inferior vena cava and obstructing venous return to right atrium.
• Air embolus may lead to obstruction of pulmonary artery and subsequent obstruction to right ventricular outflow during systole, with resulting obstructive shock Explain Distributive Shock. - Correct Answer-Results from disruption in SNS control of the tone of blood vessels, which leads to vasodilation and maldistribution of blood volume and flow. (Neurogenic and Septic Shock). Neurogenic shock may result from injury to spinal cord in cervical or upper thoracic region. Spinal shock = areflexia and flaccidity associated with lower motor neuron involvement in complete cord injuries; reflexes return with resolution of spinal shock. Septic shock from bacteremia is distributive shock. Endotoxins and other inflammatory mediators cause vasodilation, shunting of blood in microcirculation, and other perfusion abnormalities. What is vascular response? - Correct Answer-As blood volume decreases, peripheral blood vessels vasoconstrict as a result of sympathetic stimulation via inhibition of baroreceptors. Arterioles constrict to increase TPR and BP. What is renal response? - Correct Answer-Renal ischemia activates release of renin. Kidneys do not receive adequate blood supply, renin is release into circulation.

Renin causes angiotensinogen, normal plasma protein, to release angiotensin I. Angiotensin-converting enzyme from the lungs converts into angiotensin II. Angiotensin II causes:

• Vasoconstriction of arterioles and some veins
• Stimulation of sympathetic nervous system
• Retention of water by kidneys
• Stimulation of release of aldosterone from the adrenal cortex (sodium retention hormone) *Decreased urinary output = early sign renal hypoperfusion and an indicator that there's systemic hypoperfusion. Explain adrenal gland response. - Correct Answer-When adrenal glands are stimulated by SNS, release of catecholamines (epinephrine and norepinephrine) from adrenal medulla will increase. Epi stimulates receptors in heart to increase force of cardiac contraction (positive inotropy) and increase HR (positive chronotropy) to improve cardiac output, BP and tissue perfusion. Shock stimulates hypothalamus to release corticotropin-releasing hormone that stimulates pituitary to release ACTH that stimulates adrenal gland to release cortisol. Effect of cortisol release is elevation in blood sugar and increased insulin resistance and gluconeogenesis, hepatic process to produce more sugar. Cortisol also causes renal retention of water and sodium, a compensatory mechanism to conserve body water. Explain Hepatic Response. - Correct Answer-Liver can store excess glucose as glycogen. As shock progresses, glycogenolysis is activated by epi to break down glycogen into glucose.

In a compensatory response to shock, hepatic vessels constrict to redirect blood flow to other vital areas. Explain Pulmonary Response. - Correct Answer-Tachypnea happens for 2 reasons:

1. Maintain acid-base balance
2. Maintain increased supply of oxygen

• Metabolic acidosis from anaerobic metabolism will be a stimulus for the lungs to increase rate of ventilation. Increased RR is an attempt to correct acidosis + augments oxygen supply to maximize oxygen delivery to alveoli. Explain Irreversible Shock. - Correct Answer-Shock uncompensated or irreversible stages will cause compromises to most body systems.

• Inadequate venous return
• inadequate cardiac filling
• decreased coronary artery perfusion
• Membranes of lysosomes breakdown within cells and release digestive enzymes that cause intracellular damage. How would you assess a pt in hypovolemic shock? - Correct Answer-(Use Initial Assessment) and then: Inspect:
• LOC
• Rate and quality of respirations
• External bleeding?
• Skin color and moisture
• Assess jugular veins and peripheral veins Auscultate:
• BP
• Pulse pressure
• Breath sounds
• Heart sounds
• Bowel sounds Percuss:
• Chest and abdomen Palpate:
• Central pulse (carotid or femoral)
• Positive inotropic effect (force of contraction) may be evidence by a bounding central pulse

• Palpate peripheral pulses
• Palpate skin temp and moisture Diagnostic Procedures:
• Xrays and other studies
• Labs Planning and Implementation
• Oxygen
• IV's with warmed replacement fluids
• Control external bleeding with direct pressure
• Elevate LE's
• NGT
• Foley
• Monitor and pulse oximeter
• Monitor for development of coagulopathies
• Surgery? ICP is a reflection of what three volumes? What happens when one increases? - Correct Answer-1. Brain

2. CSF
3. Blood within the nonexpansible cranial vault As volume of one increases, the volume of another decreases to maintain ICP within normal range. As ICP rises, CPP decreases, leading to cerebral ischemia and potential for hypoxia and lethal secondary insult. Hypotensive pt w/marginally elevated ICP can be harmful. Slightly elevated BP could protect against brain ischemia in a pt with high ICP. Cerebral ischemia can lead to increased concentration of CO2 and decreased concentration of O2 in cerebral vessels. CO2 dilates cerebral blood vessels = increase blood volume and ICP. What are the early signs and symptoms of increased ICP? - Correct Answer-- Headache

• N/V
• Amnesia regarding events around the injury
• Altered LOC
• Restlessness, drowsiness, changes in speech, or loss of judgement

What are the late observable signs of symptoms of increased ICP? - Correct Answer-- Dilated, nonreactive pupil

• Unresponsiveness to verbal or painful stimuli
• Abnormal motor posturing patterns
• Widening pulse pressure
• Increased systolic blood pressure
• Changes in RR and pattern
• Bradycardia What is Cushing's phenomenon or Cushing's Reflex? - Correct Answer-Triad of progressive HTN, bradycardia and diminished respiratory effort. What are the two types of herniation that occurs with ICP? - Correct Answer-

1. Uncal herniation
2. Central or transtentorial herniation Why does herniation occur? What are the symptoms? - Correct Answer- Because of uncontrolled increases in ICP. S/E's

• Unilateral or bilateral pupillary dilation
• AsyDimmetric pupillary reactivity
• Abnormal motor posturing
• Other evidence of neurologic deterioration Define uncal herniation. - Correct Answer-The uncus (medial aspect of the temporal lobe) is displaced over the tentorium into the posterior fossa. This herniation is the more common of the two types of herniation syndromes. Define central or transtentorial herniation. - Correct Answer-A downward movement of the cerebral hemispheres with herniation of the diencephalon and midbrain through the elongated gap of the tentorium. Disruptions of the bony structures of the skull can result in what? - Correct Answer-Displaced or nondisplaced fx's causing CSF leakage b/c of lac to the dura mater, creating a passage for CSF. CSF leaks through the nose (rhinorrhea) or the ears (otorrhea). A potential entrance for invading bacteria. Also: meningitis or encephalitis or brain abscess

Define Minor Head Trauma. - Correct Answer-GCS 13- Define Moderate Head Trauma - Correct Answer-Postresuscitative state with GCS 9-13. Define Severe Head Trauma. - Correct Answer-Postresuscitative state with GCS score of 8 or less. What is a concussion and its signs and symptoms? - Correct Answer-A temporary change in neurologic function that may occur as a result of minor head trauma. S/S:

• Transient LOC
• H/A
• Confusion and disorientation
• Dizziness
• N/V
• Loss of memory
• Difficulty with concentration
• Irritability
• Fatigue What are the signs and symptoms of postconcussive syndrome? - Correct Answer-- Persistent H/A
• Dizziness
• Nausea
• Memory impairment
• Attention deficit
• Irritability
• Insomnia
• Impaired judgement
• Loss of libido
• Anxiety
• Depression What is diffuse axonal injury and its signs and symptoms? - Correct Answer- (DAI) is widespread, rather than localized, through the brain. Diffuse shearing, tearing and compressive stresses from rotational or

acceleration/deceleration forces resulting in microscopic damage primarily to axons within the brain. S/S:

• Immediate unconsciousness
• mild DAI, coma = 6-24 hrs
• severe DAI, coma = weeks/months or persistent vegetative state
• Elevated ICP
• Abnormal posturing
• HTN
• Hyperthermia
• Excessive sweating because of autonomic dysfunction
• Mild to severe memory impairment, cognitive, behavioral, and intellectual deficits What is a cerebral contusion and its S/S? - Correct Answer-A common focal brain injury in which brain tissue is bruised and damaged in a local area. Mainly located in frontal and temporal lobes. May cause hemorrhage, infarction, necrosis and edema. Max effects of bleeding & edema peak 18- post injury. S/S:
• Alteration in LOC
• Behavior, motor or speech deficits
• Abnormal motor posturing
• Signs of increased ICP What is an epidural hematoma and its S/S? - Correct Answer-Results when a collection of blood forms between the skull and the dura mater. Bleeding is arterial=blood accumulates rapidly:
• Compression of underlying brain
• rapid increase in ICP
• Decreased CBF
• Secondary brain injury

• Usually requires surgical intervention S/S:

• Transient LOC
• Lucid period lasting a few minutes to several hours
• Rapid deterioration in neurologic status
• Severe H/A
• Sleepiness
• Dizziness

- N/V

• Hemiparesis or hemiplegia on opposite side of hematoma
• Unilateral fixed and dilated pupil on same side of hematoma What is a subdural hematoma and its S/S? - Correct Answer-A focal brain injury beneath the dura mater that results from acceleration/deceleration. Usually venous, and not necessarily from a fx. Formation may be acute or chronic. Acute pt's hematoma manifest 48 hrs post injury S/S:
• Altered LOC or steady decline in LOC
• S/S of increased ICP
• Hemiparesis or hemiplegia on opposite side of hematoma
• Unilateral fixed and dilated pupil on same side of hematoma Chronic pt's " " up to 2 wks post injury
• H/A
• Progressive decrease in LOC
• Ataxia
• Incontinence
• Sz's What are intracerebral hematoma's and its S/S? - Correct Answer-Occur deep within brain tissue, may be single or multiple and commonly associated with contusions (frontal & temporal lobes). They result in significant mass effect, leading to increased ICP and neurologic deterioration. S/S:
• Progressive and often rapid decline in LOC
• H/A
• Signs of increasing ICP
• Pupil abnormalities
• Contralateral hemiplegia What are the S/S of a linear skull fx? - Correct Answer-- H/A
• Possible decreased LOC What are the S/S of a depressed skull fx? - Correct Answer-- H/A
• Possible decreased LOC
• Possible open fx

• Palpable depression of skull over the fx site What are the S/S of a basilar skull fx? - Correct Answer-- H/A
• Altered LOC
• Periorbital ecchymosis (raccoon eyes), mastoid ecchymosis (Battle's sign), or blood behind tympanic membrane (hemotympanum)
• Facial nerve (VII) palsy
• CSF rhinorrhea or otorrhea How would you assess a pt with a cranial injury? - Correct Answer-(Initial assessment) INSPECTION:
• Assess airway
• RR, pattern and effort
• Assess pupil size and response to light
• Unilateral fixed and dilated pupil = oculomotor nerve compression from increased ICP + herniation syndrome
• Bilateral fixed and pinpoint pupils indicate a pontine lesion or effects of opiates
• Mildly dilated pupil w/sluggish response may be early sign of herniation syndrome
• Widely dilated pupil occasionally occurs w/direct trauma to globe of eye
• Determine if pt uses eye meds
• Abnormal posturing?
• Inspect craniofacial area for ecchymosis/contusions
• Periorbital ecchymosis
• Mastoid's process ecchymosis
• Blood behind tympanic membrane
• Inspect nose and ears for drainage
• Drng present w/out blood, test drng w/chemical reagant strip. Presence of glucose indicated drng of CSF
• If drng present and mixed with blood, test by placing drop of fluid on linen or gauze. If a light outer ring forms around dark inner ring, drng contains CSF
• Assess extraocular eye movement (Tests cranial nerves, III, IV, VI)
• Performing extraocular eye movements indicates functioning brainstem
• Limitation indicates orbital rim fx w/entrapment or paralysis of either a cranial nerve or ocular muscle
• Determine LOC with GCS PALPATION
• Palpate cranial area for:

• Point tenderness
• Depressions or deformities
• Hematomas
• Assess all 4 extremities for:
• Motor function, muscle strength and abnormal motor posturing
• Sensory function DIAGNOSTIC PROCEDURES
• Lab Studies PLANNING AND IMPLEMENTATION
• (Initial assessment)
• Clear airway (stimulation of gag reflex can produce transient increase in ICP or vomiting with subsequent aspiration.
• Administer O2 via NRB
• Assist with early ET intubation
• Administer sedative/neuromuscular blocking agent
• Consider hyperventilation
• PaCO2 above 45 What are signs of a serious eye injury? - Correct Answer-- Visual disturbances
• Pain
• Redness and ecchymosis of the eye
• Periorbital ecchymosis
• Increased intraocular pressure What is hyphemia and its S/S? - Correct Answer-Accumulation of blood, mainly RBC's that disperse and layer within the anterior chamber. A severe hymphema obscures entire anterior chamber + will diminish visual acuity severely or completely. Injuries are graded on amount of blood in chamber (Grades I-IV). S/S:
• Blood in anterior chamber
• Deep, aching pain
• Mild to severe diminished visual acuity
• Increased intraocular pressure What are s/s of chemical burns to the eye? - Correct Answer-Chemical injuries require immediate intervention if it is to be preserved. S/S:
• Pain
• Corneal Opacification

• Coexisting chemical burn and swelling of lids What are S/S of penetrating trauma/open or ruptured globe? - Correct Answer-- Marked visual impairments
• Extrusion of intraocular contents
• Flattened or shallow anterior chamber
• Subconjunctival hemorrhage, hyphemia
• Decreased intraocular pressure
• Restriction of extraocular movements What are the S/S of orbital fracture (orbital blowout fracture)? - Correct Answer-- Diplopia (double vision)
• Loss of vision
• Altered extraocular eye movements
• Enophthalmos (displacement of the eye backward into the socket)
• Subconjunctival hemorrhage or ecchymosis of the eyelid
• Infraorbital pain or loss of sensation
• Orbital bony deformity What is LeFort I fracture and its S/S? - Correct Answer-Transverse maxillary fx that occurs above level of teeth and results in separation of teeth from rest of maxilla. S/S:
• Slight swelling of maxillary area
• Possible lip lac's or fractured teeth
• Independent movement of the maxilla from rest of face
• Malocclusion What is LeFort II fracture and its S/S? - Correct Answer-Pyramidal maxillary fx=middle facial area. Apex of fx transverses bridge of nose. Two lateral fx's of pyramid extend through the lacrimal bone of the face and ethmoid bone of skull into the median portion of both orbits. Base of the fx extends above level of the upper teeth into maxilla. CSF leak is possible. S/S:
• Massive facial edema
• Nasal swelling w/obvious fx of nasal bones
• Malocclusion
• CSF rhinorrhea

What is LeFort III fracture and its S/S? - Correct Answer-Complete craniofacial separation involving maxilla, zygoma and bones of cranial base. This fx is frequently associated w/leakage of CSF and fx mandible. S/S:

• Massive facial edema
• Mobility and depression of zygomatic bones
• Ecchymosis
• Anesthesia of the cheek
• Diplopia
• Open bite or malocclusion
• CSF rhinorrhea What are the mandibular fracture S/S? - Correct Answer-- Malocclusion
• Inability to open the mouth (trismus)
• Pain, especially on movement
• Facial asymmetry and a palpable step-off deformity
• Edema or hematoma formation at the fracture site
• Blood behind, ruptured, tympanic membrane
• Anesthesia of the lower lip What are neck injury S/S? - Correct Answer-- Dyspnea
• Hemoptysis (coughing up blood)
• Subcutaneous emphysema in neck, face, or suprasternal area
• Decreased or absent breath sounds
• Penetrating wounds or impaled objects
• Pulsatile or expanding hematoma
• Loss of normal anatomic prominence of the laryngeal region
• Bruits
• Active external bleeding
• Neurologic deficit, such as aphasia or hemiplegia
• Cranial nerve deficits
• Facial sensory or motor nerve deficits
• Dysphonia (hoarseness)
• Dysphagia (difficulty swallowing) How would you assess a patient with ocular, maxillofacial and neck trauma? - Correct Answer-(Initial assessment) HISTORY
• MOI?
• Acceleration/Deceleration?

• What was it caused by?
• Pt restrained? Airbags deployed? Etc.
• What are the pt's complaints?
• Pt normally wear glasses or contacts?
• Pt have hx of eye problems?
• Pt ever have eye surgery?
• Pt have visual or ocular changes associated with chronic illness? PHYSICAL INSPECTION:
• Inspect eye, orbits, face and neck
• Check for symmetry, edema, ecchymosis, ptosis, lacerations and hematomas
• Inspect globe for lacerations, large corneal abrasions, hyphemia, and extrusion or prolapse of intraocular contents
• Determine whether lid lac's
• Assess pupil's (PERRL)
• Unilateral fixed and dilated pupil may indicate oculomotor nerve compression as a result of ICP + herniation syndrome
• Bilateral fixed and pinpoint pupils = pontine lesion or drugs
• Mildly dilated pupil w/sluggish response may early sign of herniation syndrome
• Widely dilated pupil occasionally occurs w/direct trauma to globe of eye
• Assess for consensual response
• Assess redness, eye watering, blepharospasm
• Assess extraocular movement, except when an open globe injury is known or suspected.
• Limitation range of ocular motion may indicate orbital rim fx w/entrapment or paralysis of cranial nerve or ocular muscle
• Perform visual acuity exam
• Use Snellen or handheld chart. Check uninjured eye first
• Assess for blurred or double vision with injured eye and then with both eyes open
• Inspect for rhinorrhea or otorrhea
• If drng present, may indicate CSF leak
• Observe for impaled objects
• Assess occlusion of mandible and maxilla
• Malocclusion or inability to open + close mouth is highly indicative of maxillary or mandibular fx
• Observe for uncontrolled bleeding PALPATION

• Palpate periorbital area, face and neck for:
• Tenderness
• Edema
• Step-off de What are the nursing interventions for a pt with an ocular injury? - Correct Answer-- Assess visual acuity & reassess
• Elevate HOB to minimize intraocular pressure
• Instruct pt not to bend forward, cough or perform Valsalva maneuver b/c these actions may raise intraocular pressure
• Assist w/removal of foreign bodies as indicated; stabilize impaled objects
• Apply cool packs to decrease pain + periorbital swelling
• Admin medications
• Instill prescribed topical anesthetic drops for pain
• Instill NS drops or artificial tears to keep corneas moist. Cover eyelids w/sterile, moist saline dsg to prevent drying and ulceration
• Antibiotics topically or systemically
• Admin tetanus prophylactically
• Use an eye patch to affected eye
• Patch or shield both eyes to reduce movement + photophobia in pt's w/retinal injuries
• Patch, shield or cover w/cool pack
• Do NOT patch injured eye of pt w/suspected open or ruptured globe or impaled object, patch unaffected eye. Use metal or plastic and do not put pressure on the globe.
• Provide psychosocial support
• Obtain an ophthalmology consultation
• Provide d/c instructions:
• Importance of protective eyewear
• No driving w/eye patch on
• Wear sunglasses to prevent tearing, aid photophobia
• Prepare for admission, OR or transfer What are the nursing interventions for a patient with a maxillofacial or neck injury? - Correct Answer-- Administer oxygen
• For facial trauma, place pt in high-fowler's position if no spinal injury is present.
• Insert OG or NGT. OGT should be used if basilar skull fx or severe midface fx's are suspected
• Monitor for progressive airway assessment

• Prepare for intubation, PRN.
• Cannulate 2 large IV's, initiate isotonic crystalloid IV solution
• Control external bleeding w/direct pressure
• Monitor for continued bleeding + expanding hematomas
• Apply cold compresses to face to minimize edema
• Assist w/repair of oral lac's, PRN
• Admin antibiotics
• Stabilize impaled objects
• Admin analgesic meds With any eye injury, what should the evaluation and ongoing assessments be? - Correct Answer-- Reassessing visual acuity at reasonable intervals
• Reassessing pain, including response to nonpharmacologic + pharmacologic interventions
• Monitoring appearance, position, movements of globe and pupillary responses
• Monitoring airway patency, respiratory effort and ABG's What are the most common type of injury associated with chest trauma? - Correct Answer-blunt; MVC's. Penetrating; firarm injuries or stabbings What are S/S of a rib fracture? - Correct Answer-- Dyspnea
• Localized pain on movement, palpation, or inspiration
• Pt assumes position intended to splint chest wall to reduce pain
• Chest wall ecchymosis or sternal contusion
• Bony crepitus or deformity What is a flail chest? - Correct Answer-A fracture of two or more sites on two or more adjacent ribs, or when rib fractures produce a free-floating sternum. Flail segments may not be clinically evident in the first several hours after injury b/c of muscle spasms that cause splinting. After positive pressure initiated, paradoxical chest wall movement ceases. What could a flail chest be associated with? - Correct Answer-- Ineffective ventilation
• Pulmonary contusion
• Lacerated lung parenchyma What are the S/S of flail chest? - Correct Answer-- Dyspnea

• Chest wall pain
• Paradoxical chest wall movement - the flail segment moves in during inspiration and out during expiration. Define Pneumothorax. - Correct Answer-Results when an injury to lung leads to accumulation of air in pleural space w/subsequent loss of negative intrapleural pressure. Partial or total collapse of lung may ensue. An open pneumothorax results from wound through chest wall. Air enters pleural space both through the wound and trachea. What are the S/S of a pneumothorax? - Correct Answer-- Dyspnea, tachypnea
• Tachycardia
• Hyperresonance (increased echo produced by percussion over the lung field) on the injured side
• Decreased or absent breath sounds on the injured side
• Chest pain
• Open, sucking wound on inspiration (open pneumothorax) Define tension pneumothorax. - Correct Answer-Life-threatening injury. Air enters pleural space on inspiration, but air cannot escape on expiration. Rising intrathoracic pressure collapses lung on side of injury causing a mediastinal shift that compresses the heart, great vessels, trachea and uninjured lung. Venous return impeded, cardiac output falls, hypotension results. Immediate decompression should be performed. Treatment should not be delayed. What are the S/S of a tension pneumothorax? - Correct Answer-- Severe respiratory distress
• Markedly diminished or absent breath sounds on affected side
• hypotension
• Distended neck, head and upper extremity veins-may not be clinically appreciated if significant blood loss present
• Tracheal deviation - shift toward uninjured side (LATE sign)
• Cyanosis (LATE sign) Define Hemothorax. - Correct Answer-Accumulation of blood in the pleural space.

What are the S/S of Hemothorax? - Correct Answer-- Dyspnea, tachypnea

• Chest pain
• Signs of shock
• Decreased breath sounds on injured side
• Dullness to percussion on the injured side What is a pulmonary contusion? - Correct Answer-They occur as a result of direct impact, deceleration or high-velocity bullet wounds. It develops when blood leaks into lung parenchyma, causing edema + hemorrhage. This usually develops overtime and not immediately. What are the S/S of pulmonary contusion? - Correct Answer-- Dyspnea
• Ineffective cough
• Hemoptysis
• Hypoxia
• Chest pain
• Chest wall contusion or abrasions What happens to a ruptured diaphragm? - Correct Answer-Potentially life- threatening, results from forces that penetrate the body. Left hemidiaphragm is more susceptible to injury because the right side is protected by the liver.
• Herniation of abdominal contents
• Respiratory compromise b/c impaired lung capacity + displacement of normal tissue.
• Mediastinal structures may shift to opposite side of injury What are S/S of a ruptured diaphragm? - Correct Answer-(Anything below the nipple line and should be evaluated for potential diaphragmatic injury).
• Dyspnea or orthopnea
• Dysphagia
• Abdominal pain
• Sharp epigastric or chest pain radiating to left shoulder (Kehr's sign)
• Bowel sounds heard in lower middle chest
• Decreased breath sounds on injured side What are S/S with tracheobronchial injury? - Correct Answer-Blunt trauma. "Clothesline-type" injuries.
• Dyspnea, tachypnea

• Hoarseness
• Hemoptysis
• Subcutaneous emphysema in neck, face, or suprasternal area
• Decreased or absent breath sounds
• S/S of airway obstruction What are S/S with blunt cardiac injury? - Correct Answer-"Cardiac contusion" or "concussion." Common with MVC or falls from heights.
• ECG (sinus tach, PVC's, AV blocks)
• Chest pain
• Chest wall ecchymosis What are the S/S of pericardial tamponade? - Correct Answer-A collection of blood in pericardial sac. As blood accumulates, it exerts pressure on the heart, inhibiting or compromising ventricular filling.
• Hypotension
• Tachycardia or PEA
• Dyspnea
• Cyanosis
• Beck's Triad (hypotension, distended neck veins + muffled heart sounds)
• Progressive decreased voltage of conduction complexes on ECG What are aortic injuries S/S? - Correct Answer-- Hypotension
• Decreased LOC
• Hypertension in UE's
• Decreased quality (amplitude) of femoral pulses compared to UE pulses
• Loud systolic murmur in parascapular region
• Chest pain
• Chest wall ecchymosis
• Widened mediastinum on chest xray
• Paraplegia How would you assess a pt with a thoracic injury? - Correct Answer-(Initial assessment) Obtain Hx. PHYSICAL: Inspection:
• Observe chest wall
• Assess breathing effort and RR
• Symmetry

• Inspect jugular veins (Distended = increased intrathoracic pressure as result of tension pneumothorax or pericardial tamponade. Flat = external jugular veins may reflect hypovolemia)
• Inspect upper abdominal region for injury Percussion:
• Percuss the chest (Dullness = hemothorax, Hyperresonance = pneumothorax) Palpation:
• Palpate chest wall, clavicles and neck for:
• Tenderness
• Swelling or hematoma
• Subcutaneous emphysema
• Note presence of bony crepitus
• Palpate central and peripheral pulses and compare quality between:
• Right and left extremities
• Upper and lower extremities
• Palpate the trachea (above suprasternal notch. Trach shift may indicate late sign of tension pneumothorax or massive hemothorax)
• Palpate extremities for motor and sensory function (lower extremity paresis or paralysis may indicate aortic injury). Auscultation:
• Auscultate compare BP in both UE's and LE's
• Auscultate breath sounds (decreased or absent breath = pneumo or hemothorax. Diminished BS = splinting. Shallow = b/c of pain).
• Auscultate chest for presence of BS (diaphragmatic rupture)
• Auscultate Heart sounds (muffled = pericardial tamponade)
• Auscultate neck vessels for bruits (vascular injury) Diagnostic Procedures:
• Xrays
• Arteriography
• Bronchoscopy and laryngoscopy
• CT's
• FAST
• Labs (cardiac enzymes)
• ECG, CVP What are S/S of Hepatic Injuries? - Correct Answer--Upper Right Quadrant Pain -Abdominal Wall Muscle Rigidity, Spasm, Involuntary Guarding -Rebound Tenderness

-Hypoactive or Absent Bowel Sounds -Signs of hemorrhage or hypovolemic shock What are S/S of Splenic Injuries? - Correct Answer--Signs of hemorrhage or hypovolemic shock -Pain in the left shoulder (Kehr's sign) when lying supine or Trendelenburg -Tenderness in the upper left quadrant -Abdominal wall muscle rigidity, spasm, or involuntary guarding S/S of Large and Small Bowel Injuries? - Correct Answer--Peritoneal irritation manifested by abdominal wall muscle rigidity, spasm, involuntary guarding, rebound tenderness, or pain -Evisceration of small bowel or stomach -Hypovolemic Shock -Gross blood from rectum S/S of Gastric Injury? - Correct Answer--Abdominal Pain -Peritoneal irritation -Evisceration of stomach -Gross blood in gastric aspirate S/S of Esophageal Injury? - Correct Answer--Subcutaneous emphysema -Peritoneal irritation -Pain radiating to the neck, chest, shoulders, or throughout the abdomen -Gross blood in gastric aspirate S/S of Renal Injuries? - Correct Answer--Hematuria -Flank or abdominal tenderness elicited during palpation -Ecchymosis over flank may occur, but normally develops 6 to 12 hours after injury How would you care for a pt with an Abdominal Injury? - Correct Answer- (Initial assessment) Obtain Hx. PHYSICAL: Inspection:

• Observe the lower chest for asymmetric chest wall movement. -Observe the contour of the abdomen. Distention may indicate bleeding -Inspect lower chest, abdomen, flanks, and back for seat belt abrasions or soft tissue injuries