nullTrauma and Burn Management
Trauma and Burn Management
TRA * ®ObjectivesObjectivesReview initial assessment of the trauma patient
Outline treatment of life-threatening injury
Discuss use of radiography to identify injury
Outline response to changes in patient’s status
Discuss early burn managementTRA * ®Trauma Care PrinciplesTrauma Care PrinciplesSimultaneous assessment and treatment through a standardized approach
If no improvement or decline in status, start over at primary assessment
Early surgical involvementTRA * ®Primary Assessment –
Airway / BreathingPrimary Assessment –
Airway / BreathingAssume cervical spine injury
Airway assessment and management
Effects of facial/mandibular fracture
Laryngeal/tracheal injury – ecchymosis, hoarseness, edema, subcutaneous air
Flail chest from rib fractures
Pneumo- / hemothoraces
TRA * ®Primary Assessment – CirculationPrimary Assessment – CirculationHemorrhage is most common cause of shock
Establish large-bore venous access
Initiate fluid resuscitation with lactated Ringer’s solution
Follow with packed red blood cells after 2–3 L of crystalloid
Control external hemorrhage by compression
Monitoring – data flow sheet, vital signs, ECG, pulse oximetry, CVP, arterial lineTRA * ®Hemorrhage ClassificationHemorrhage Classification Hemorrhage Blood Blood class loss loss (mL) (%)
I <750 <15
II 750–1500 15–30
III 1500–2000 30–40
IV >2000 >40
Hemorrhagic ShockHemorrhagic ShockChest – hemothorax; drain and monitor
Abdominal
Intraperitoneal (lavage or sonography)
Retroperitoneal (CT scan)
Operative intervention
Pelvis – usually venous; consider embolization, external stabilization
TRA * ®Nonhemorrhagic ShockNonhemorrhagic ShockTension pneumothorax
Tube thoracostomy
Cardiac tamponade
Consider mechanism of injury
Venous hypertension with shock
Pericardial window preferred over needle pericardiocentesisTRA * Nonhemorrhagic ShockNonhemorrhagic ShockBlunt cardiac injury
Consider mechanism of injury
ECG nonspecific
Cardiac enzymes rarely helpful
Monitor at least 4 hours
Neurogenic shock
Cervical/thoracic spinal cord injury
Associated bradycardia
Secondary AssessmentSecondary AssessmentIdentify potentially life-threatening injuries
History of event, medical history, drugs, allergies, tetanus immunization
Head to toe examination
Fully expose patient
Correct and prevent hypothermia
Assess for signs of urethral injury
Neurovascular integrityTRA * ®Secondary AssessmentSecondary AssessmentLaboratory data – arterial blood gas, blood counts, electrolytes, coagulation studies, type and cross-match, urinalysis, toxicology, etc
Radiograph review
Cervical spine – complete survey
Chest – mediastinal evaluation; tubes/catheters
Pelvis – major fractures
Cystogram/urethrogram
Skeletal exam
Secondary AssessmentSecondary AssessmentCT scan of head
CT scan of abdomen if indicated
Other issues
Nasogastric tube
Tetanus prophylaxis
Antibiotic indications
Specialty consultationTertiary AssessmentTertiary AssessmentDetailed examination to detect all injuries
Serial examinations over time to detect change and occult injuries
Return to primary/secondary survey strategies for worsening status
Surgical consultation/transfer planningTRA * ®Compartment SyndromesCompartment SyndromesAbdomen
Compromise of venous return due to high intra-abdominal pressure
Secondary to free blood, fluid, edema of abdominal contents
Evaluate with measure of intrabladder pressure
Surgical decompressionCompartment SyndromesCompartment SyndromesExtremity
Serial examinations
Pain, pallor, pulselessness, paresthesias, paralysis
Fasciotomy Burn Injury – Primary AssessmentBurn Injury – Primary AssessmentAirway/breathing
Upper and lower airway injury
Carbon monoxide exposure
Bronchoscopy for evaluation
Consider early intubation
Avoid succinylcholine
TRA * ®Burn Injury – Primary AssessmentBurn Injury – Primary AssessmentCirculation
Establish intravenous access
Crystalloid resuscitation based upon extent and severity of burns
Assess for circumferential injury
Evaluate for other injuriesTRA * ®Assessment of Burn SeverityAssessment of Burn SeverityFirst-degree
Erythema and pain
Second-degree (partial-thickness)
Red, swollen, blisters, weeping, painful
Third-degree (full-thickness)
White, leathery, painlessRule of NinesResuscitation – Burn ShockResuscitation – Burn ShockPrimary fluid loss from wound
Secondary nonburn edema
Principles
Avoid excess fluid resuscitation but maintain organ perfusion
Replace components of fluids lost as well as volume
Replace blood as neededTRA * ®Resuscitation – Burn ShockResuscitation – Burn ShockLactated Ringer’s solution – crystalloid of choice
Various formulae for amount and type of crystalloid and colloid resuscitation
Parkland formula: 4 mL/kg % of second- and third-degree burn estimates body weight in first 24 hrs; deliver one-half calculated volume in first 8 hrs
Aim for urine output 0.5-1 ml/kg/hr
Cautious use of analgesiaBurn Wound CareBurn Wound CareGently wash and cover prior to transport
Remove rings, bracelets
Burn dressings controversial before transfer
Consultation for specific wound care TRA * ®Chemical BurnsChemical BurnsInjury is caused by concentration of agent and duration of exposure
Remove patient from source
Remove clothing
Brush off dry agent
Irrigate copiously with waterElectrical InjuryElectrical InjuryEntry and exit wounds
Secondary skin burns
Flame burns from clothes
Cardiac arrest
Secondary injury – falls, muscle contraction, etc.
Rhabdomyolysis and compartment syndromesPediatric ConsiderationsPediatric ConsiderationsSame general principles as for adults
Orotracheal intubation with in-line stabilization
Greater risk of injury after cricothyrotomy
Diagnostic peritoneal lavage used less frequently
Body surface area/body mass so higher risk of hypothermiaTRA * ®Pediatric ConsiderationsPediatric ConsiderationsInitial crystalloid bolus 20 mL/kg
Hypotension is late finding of severe hypovolemia
Blood added when crystalloid infusion >40 mL/kg
Initial blood transfusion = 10 mL/kgTRA * ®Pediatric ConsiderationsPediatric ConsiderationsConsider child abuse when discrepancies exist between history and physical examination
Laboratory
Skull and skeletal radiographs
Fundoscopic exam for hemorrhageTRA * ®Key PointsKey Points