The Nursing clinics of North America
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Cardiac trauma affects people of all ages from all walks of life. The exact incidence of cardiac trauma is unknown because many individuals die before ever reaching a medical facility for treatment. Reduction in the time from cardiac injury to definitive treatment with continued improvement in rapid emergency transport systems will result in a lower mortality rate. The challenge for nursing is to reduce mortality of victims of cardiac trauma further with prompt nursing diagnosis and effective nursing interventions.
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The primary survey of a trauma victim always begins with the ABCs used in resuscitation. Chest trauma compromises the normal physiology of respiration and circulation. Although some chest injuries are overt, some are not. ⋯ The care of these patients is very complex. Nursing diagnoses guide the care of chest trauma patients and can include impaired gas exchange, alteration in cardiac output, and altered breathing pattern. The goal of treatment is to restore and maintain stable hemodynamics with adequate respirations and circulation allowing definitive treatment for a positive patient outcome.
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Trauma is a devastating event that affects all ages. Trauma can be fatal, disabling, or disfiguring. Public awareness, education, and legislation can affect the trauma statistics of the future. ⋯ Appropriate care also includes immediate treatment of life-threatening injuries and shock during the first hour. Nurses are key members in this team approach. By utilizing assessment skills, nursing diagnosis, interventions, and constant evaluation, the trauma nurse will contribute to the decrease in preventable deaths during the first hour.