A patient presents to the trauma center after a high-speed motor vehicle crash. The patient was
restrained by his seat belt; however, he was driving an older car that did not have airbags. He was awake
at the scene, but his level of consciousness quickly declined during transport by emergency medical
services. Initial assessment revealed a 6-cm scalp laceration, a right closed femur fracture, four broken
ribs and possible cardiac contusion. What additional prehospital information would be helpful in
anticipating care for this patient?
Considering the mechanism and patterns of the injuries, what are the immediate nursing management
priorities for this patient?
A construction worker is admitted after falling approximately 15 feet from scaffolding. What diagnostic
interventions does the nurse anticipate in the care of this trauma patient?
If a patient experiences thoracic trauma, what laboratory analysis is anticipated and why? Why is cardiac
monitoring and/or a 12-lead ECG prescribed?
Describe the nursing assessment and intervention priorities during the first postoperative hour once a
patient is admitted during the first postoperative hour once a patient is admitted to the critical care unit.
Discuss ways to incorporate patient and family centered care during the immediate postoperative phase
of nursing care.
Chapter 21
Explain why patients with burns need extensive fluid resuscitation even though they are extremely
edematous.
Why is multiprofessional team care of the burn-injured patient important? Who is involved?
What interventions can be used in the critical care unit to promote early rehabilitation of a patient with a
burn injury?
Describe some injury history and physical assessment findings that might lead you to suspect that a burn
was caused by abuse.
What specific strategies and interventions can the critical care nurse employ to reduce the incidence of
infection in burn patients?
What strategies might the critical care nurse use to meet the high caloric needs of burn patients who can
take foods by mouth?
Many patients with burn injuries must be treated at institutions far from home. What approaches can be
sued to meet the psychosocial needs of these patients and their families?
Sample Solution