Describe primary prevention for trauma
Eliminating traumatic event
Describe secondary prevention for trauma
Reducing severity of injuries
Describe tertiary prevention for trauma
Intervening after injury has occurred
Name the level of trauma prevention:
Eliminating risk behaviors through education programs
Primary
Name the level of trauma prevention:
Improving car designs, using helmets, and having air bags
Secondary
Name the level of trauma prevention:
Developing regional trauma centers and initiating rehab efforts
Tertiary
What are the roles of the nurse during trauma care? (3)
- Perform rapid assessments
- Implement life-saving interventions
- Monitor patient response to resuscitation
What type of trauma is caused by a combination of forces including deceleration, shearing, crushing, and compression?
Blunt trauma
Why is blunt trauma more life-threatening?
Injuries are not always obvious and diagnosis is more difficult
What are the mechanisms of injury associated with blunt trauma? (3)
- Rapid forward deceleration
- Rapid vertical deceleration
- Blast injuries
Describe the effects of blast injuries (3)
- Initial air blast to air-filled organs
- Shrapnel strikes patient
- Body displacement / impact
Describe cavitation
Tissue damage from high velocity penetrating trauma
What are the causes of cavitation? (4)
- Thermal - burns
- Electrical - shocks
- Asphyxiation - drowning
- Chemical - poisoning
______ aids in prediction of specific injuries
Mechanism of injury
Describe secondary cavitation injury
As a high velocity projectile enters the body, a pressure wave displaces tissue creating a cavity - ex. bullet enters area and tumbles around causing further damage
What is the first peak of the tri-modal distribution of trauma deaths?
Death occurs immediately at the scene prior to medical care
What is the second peak of the tri-modal distribution of trauma deaths?
Death occurs a few hours after the trauma - “golden hour”
What is the third peak of the tri-modal distribution of trauma deaths?
Death occurs days / weeks after the trauma due to complications
What are the 3 goals prehospital care?
- Extrication
- Stabilization
- Transport ASAP - “load and go”
Define primary survey
Initial assessment concerned with the priorities of first aid
What are the components of primary survey? (3)
- Breathing - AcBC (airway, cervical spine, breathing, circulation)
- Bleeding
- Shock
Define secondary survey
Complete head-to-toe assessment to determine quantity / severity of injuries (KEEP PATIENT IN THE POSITION THEY ARE FOUND IN) **
What are the components of secondary survey? (3)
- Neuro (GCS)
- VS (HR, RR, BP)
- Head / face / neck / chest / abdomen / spine / pelvis / extremities
Describe the nursing considerations associated with secondary survey (2)
- DO NOT interrupt unless condition changes / hidden bleeding is found
- Continuous interaction to monitor LOC
