Thoracic and Cardiovascular Trauma Flashcards

A trauma patient presents with absent breath sounds on the left, tracheal deviation to the right, and hypotension. Which condition should the nurse suspect first?

Answer: Tension pneumothorax

Tension pneumothorax causes tracheal deviation away from the affected side along with hemodynamic compromise.

Which finding is most consistent with a massive hemothorax on initial assessment?

Answer: Dullness to percussion with decreased breath sounds

Massive hemothorax produces dullness to percussion due to blood accumulation and absent breath sounds from lung compression.

A patient with blunt chest trauma has paradoxical chest wall movement. Which intervention takes priority?

Answer: Administer high-flow oxygen and prepare for intubation

Flail chest with paradoxical movement causes respiratory failure, so oxygen delivery and airway management take top priority.

Which ECG finding is most associated with myocardial contusion following blunt chest trauma?

Answer: New right bundle branch block or ST-segment changes

Myocardial contusion most commonly manifests as new bundle branch block or ST changes on ECG, indicating direct cardiac injury.

During chest tube insertion for hemothorax, the nurse notes 1,500 mL of blood drains immediately. What is the priority action?

Answer: Notify the surgeon immediately for possible operative intervention

Immediate drainage of ≥1,000–1,500 mL indicates massive hemothorax requiring surgical evaluation for operative control.

A patient with suspected aortic disruption is most likely to have which mechanism of injury?

Answer: High-speed deceleration injury such as a motor vehicle crash or fall from height

Traumatic aortic disruption typically results from rapid deceleration forces that shear the aorta at fixed anatomic points.