Trauma Flashcards
(77 cards)
What is the first step in the evaluation of trauma?
Airway assessment and protection.
When is an airway considered protected?
If the patient is conscious and speaking in a normal tone of voice.
If unconscious then look and feel (منطلع على الصدر ومتسمع الصوت ومنحس النفس)
When is an airway considered unprotected?
If there is an expanding hematoma, subcutaneous emphysema in the neck, noisy gurgly breathing, or GCS <8.
How can an airway be secured in the field?
Suctioning of secretions and fluid
Simple airway maneuvers ( jaw thrust , OPA ,NPA , chin lift )
Advanced airway maneuvers( cuffed endotracheal tube )
Cricothyroidotomy
What is the preferred method of securing an airway in the emergency department?
Rapid sequence induction and orotracheal intubation with pulse oximetry monitoring.
Can orotracheal intubation be done in the presence of a cervical spine injury?
Yes, as long as the head is secured and in-line stabilization is maintained.
What is another option for airway management in cervical spine injury?
Nasotracheal intubation over a fiberoptic bronchoscope.
What should be done if severe maxillofacial injuries preclude intubation?
Cricothyroidotomy may become necessary.
Why is tracheostomy preferred over cricothyroidotomy in pediatric patients?
Due to the high risk of subglottic stenosis as the cricoid is much smaller than in adults.
What is a common complication of endotracheal intubation?
Right mainstem bronchus intubation.
What are the signs of right mainstem bronchus intubation?
Asymmetric chest expansion and decreased or absent breath sounds on the left side.
What is the ideal location for the distal tip of the endotracheal tube?
2-6 cm above the carina.
Why does an ETT advanced too far preferentially enter the right main bronchus?
Because the right mainstem bronchus diverges from the trachea at a non-acute angle.
How is right mainstem bronchus intubation corrected?
By pulling back the endotracheal tube slightly.
What is the first step in managing cervical spine trauma in the field?
Stabilize the cervical spine with a backboard, rigid cervical collar, and lateral head supports.
Why is early airway assessment important in cervical spine trauma?
Unstable lesions above C3 can cause immediate paralysis, and lower cervical lesions can damage the phrenic nerve.
What is the preferred method of airway management in cervical spine trauma?
Orotracheal intubation with rapid-sequence intubation unless there is significant facial trauma.
What are the key steps in prehospital management of cervical spine trauma?
Spinal immobilization, careful helmet removal, and airway oxygenation.
What are examples of spinal immobilization techniques in prehospital care?
Backboard, rigid cervical collar, and lateral head supports.
How should helmets be handled in cervical spine trauma?
They should be carefully removed (e.g., motorcycle helmet).
What is the preferred method of intubation in cervical spine trauma unless there is significant facial trauma?
Orotracheal intubation.
When is rapid-sequence intubation indicated in cervical spine trauma?
For unconscious patients who are breathing but need ventilatory support.
What precaution should be taken during intubation in cervical spine trauma?
In-line cervical stabilization should be maintained unless it interferes with intubation.