Chest trauma and thoracic injuries
Megan, Whitney, Takina, Natalie
Adult Nursing 1
Dr. Bell
Risk Factors
Motor vehicle accidents are the leading cause of chest trauma and thoracic
injuries. Statistics suggest as much as 80%
Not wearing 3-point restraints or not wearing them properly, significantly increase
the likelihood of trauma occurring
Improper usage of child restraint systems in vehicles
Falling shortly behind MVAs are workplace and domestic accidents
Mortality rates are increased greatly:
after age 65, multiple rib fractures, presence
of pre-existing diseases/disorders and pneumonia
Anatomy/ Physiology & Pathophysiology
Chest trauma and thoracic injuries
Traumatic injuries to chest contribute to 75% of all traumatic deaths. They
range from simple rib fracturess to complex life threatening rupture of
organs. The mechanisms of injuries causing chest trauma are separated into
two categories: blunt trauma and penetrating trauma
Blunt trauma:
occurs when the chest strikes or is struck by an object. The
impact can cause deceleration, acceleration, shearing, and compression of
thoracic structures. The external injury may appear minor, but internally the
organs may have severe injuries.
Examples of blunt trauma:
motor vehicle accidents, pedestrian accident,
fall, assault with blunt object, crush injury, explosion
The injuries can occur on the same side as the impact and on the opposite
side as the tissues move back and forth.
Penetrating trauma:
an open injury in which a foreign body strikes or
passes through the body tissues, creating an open wound.
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- Spring '18
- L.Putnam
- Pneumothorax, Pulmonary contusion, Physical trauma, Penetrating trauma, Chest trauma
