By: Ma. Lourdes A.

Gumbao BSN 3-A

Thoracic Skeleton
Thoracic Skeletal cage is vital to organs

Thoracic Injury
also called chest trauma or thoracic trauma Is a serious injury of chest Are the cause of death in 20%- 25% of all trauma victims Occurs in the chest wall, lungs and pleura, thoracic great vessels, diaphragm heart, trachea, bronchus and esophagus.

Mechanism of Injury
Blunt thoracic injuries -Forces distributed over large area -Involve compression, deformation or sudden change in atmospheric pressure. -(steering wheel injury, seat belt injury, crust injury)

Penetrating thoracic injuries -Forces distributed over small area -involve direct contact with an instrument that cuts the skin. -(gunshot, stab wound)

Pathophysiology
Predisposing Factors Gender Age Environment Precipitating Factors Troublemaking Alcohol abuse Reckless driving Driving without using protective gears Inappropriate using of seat belt

Blunt Injury Steering wheel injury Crust Injury Seat Belt Injury Falls from heights

Penetrating Injury Gunshot Stab wound

rib fracture/damage of pleural lining pain Compromised ventilation

difficulty in breathing

THORACIC INJURY

Medical Management
maintain airway and ventilation provide oxygen monitor respiratory distress pain management enable deep breathing mild oral analgesic severe- opiates infection prevention Monitor IV fluid

Surgical Management
1. Thoracotomy - is the process of making of an incision into the chest wall. - performed to resuscitate a patient who is near death as a result of a chest injury.

2. Thoracentesis -is an invasive procedure to remove fluid or air from the pleural space for diagnostic or therapeutic purposes

Nursing Diagnosis
Ineffective breathing pattern related to injury to chest wall as evidenced by shallow breaths Interventions: - Assess respiratory system and note abnormalities - administer oxygen, as ordered - assist patient in assuming a semi or high fowlers position - implement strategies to alleviate pain - monitor chest x-ray result

Current Trends

Alcohol management can make a difference

Bioethical Principle Respect for autonomy Beneficence

THANK YOU!!