Journal of trauma nursing : the official journal of the Society of Trauma Nurses
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Cases of open pneumothorax have been documented as early as 326 BC. Until the last 50 years, understanding of the epidemiology and treatment of penetrating chest trauma has arisen from military surgery. ⋯ This case study presents an adolescent who sustained a large open pneumothorax as a result of being run over by a car. Early and appropriate surgical intervention coupled with coordinated efforts by all members of the trauma team resulted in a positive outcome for this patient.
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Domestic violence is a nationwide public health issue. It affects people from all walks of life and every age group. Domestic violence is on the rise in Hillsborough County, Florida, up by 2.5% from 2004 to 2005. The Governor's Domestic Violence Task Force suggests that domestic violence is seriously underreported. Nursing assessments routinely require screening for domestic violence, placing nurses in a unique position to screen and report because they are often the first contacts of victims. The purpose of this study was to discover barriers nurses face in relation to mandatory reporting of domestic violence. ⋯ Nurses who have personally experienced domestic violence are more likely to report. Reporting laws are intended as guidelines for nurses. An effort should be made to have universal definitions and terms across the United States.
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Nursing documentation for trauma resuscitation has improved significantly at our level I trauma center because of the introduction of our Emergency Nurse Documentation Improvement Tool (END-IT). The END-IT system was implemented as a performance improvement model and utilizes existing computer software. ⋯ The feedback is provided in written form and uses peer mentoring to improve accountability in documentation. The program has been successful and has decreased documentation omissions and mistakes by 21%.
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This study describes current trauma nursing education requirements and nursing perception for additional pediatric trauma education. A web-based survey was electronically distributed to members of Society of Trauma Nurses. ⋯ Strong support exists for the development of an additional pediatric trauma course with a skills station. Basic concepts of primary/secondary survey, airway management, and fluid management for hypovolemic shock should be a high priority within this curriculum.
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Trarumatic brain injuries (TBIs) affect more than 1.4 million Americans annually. Trauma nurses caring for these patients routinely perform serial neurologic assessments, including pupillary examinations. ⋯ Therefore, the purpose of this article is to identify the key components of a pupillary examination and its associated physiologic response. A case study is provided to illustrate the application of this information among patients with TBI.