Journal of trauma nursing : the official journal of the Society of Trauma Nurses
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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.
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Attaining verification as a Level II Trauma Center requires dedication, flexibility, and continuous education. This article contains the history, birth, and growth of a Level II Trauma Center through a trauma resource clinician's experiences. It is intended to share the thoughts, processes, and technological advances of establishing a Level II Trauma Center.
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Patterns of trauma and trauma systems in New Zealand are similar to those in Australia. Both countries have geographical considerations, terrain and distance, that can cause delay to definitive care. There are only 7 hospitals in New Zealand that currently manage major trauma patients, and consequently, trauma patients are often hospitalized some distance from their homes. ⋯ This national system also has a rehabilitation focus. The actual funds are managed by the hospitals, and this allows hospital staff to provide optimum care for trauma patients. New Zealand works closely with Australia in the development of a national trauma registry, research, and education in trauma care for patients in Australasia (the islands of the southern Pacific Ocean, including Australia, New Zealand, and New Guinea).
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The study objective was to validate prehospital indicators mandated by the Ohio legislature. ⋯ The mandated trauma indicators appear to be valid measures for use in trauma research.
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Hemorrhagic shock is a severe life-threatening emergency affecting all organ systems of the body by depriving tissue of sufficient oxygen and nutrients by decreasing cardiac output. This article is a short review of the different types of shock, followed by information specifically referring to hemorrhagic shock. ⋯ Similarly, the classes of hemorrhagic shock are grouped by signs and symptoms, amount of blood loss, and the type of fluid replacement. This updated review is helpful to trauma nurses in understanding the various clinical aspects of shock and the current recommendations for fluid resuscitation therapy following hemorrhagic shock.