Chest Injuries

First Things First (assess & treat for the following)

  • Did pt experience blunt or penetrating trauma?
  • Is pt unstable?
    • Is the airway intact (A)?
    • Tension pneumothorax (B)
    • Massive air leak/embolism (B)
    • Cardiac tamponade (C)
    • Hypovolemia from hemorrhage (C)
    • Acute cardiogenic shock (rare) (C)
    • Does pt have a concurrent MI? (C)
    • Evaluate disability for concomitant head injury (D).

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Last updated: May 12, 2010