Uncontrolled bleeding is one of the main contributors to mortality following traumatic injury. While controlling the source of bleeding is crucial, other strategies are often important for ensuring a positive patient outcome. Trauma and emergency nurses should understand these strategies and how they are used to manage traumatic bleeding. 1. Identifying hidden bleeds with point-of-care…
Author: Trauma Nursing
The Trauma Nursing column is produced in partnership with the Board of Certification for Emergency Nursing (BCEN®), developer of the Trauma Certified Registered Nurse (TCRN®) certification.Geriatric patients, defined as adults aged 65 and older, can experience significant injury and disability following a traumatic event. In fact, older individuals have an increased risk of mortality and…
The Trauma Nursing column is produced in partnership with the Board of Certification for Emergency Nursing (BCEN®), developer of the Trauma Certified Registered Nurse (TCRN®) certification.The lethal trauma diamond is the “vicious cycle” of four physiologic derangements that can prolong blood loss, lead to hemorrhagic shock and increase the risk of death. The four points…
The Trauma Nursing column is produced in partnership with the Board of Certification for Emergency Nursing (BCEN®), developer of the Trauma Certified Registered Nurse (TCRN®) certification.Inhalation injuries occur when respiratory tissue is damaged by heat, smoke or chemicals. More than three-quarters (77%) of burn victim deaths are due to pulmonary complications from inhalation injuries. Trauma…
The Trauma Nursing column is produced in partnership with the Board of Certification for Emergency Nursing (BCEN®), developer of the Trauma Certified Registered Nurse (TCRN®) certification.Ketamine is a powerful sedative and pain medication with a developing role in trauma care. Trauma and emergency nurses should understand the basic properties of ketamine, how it affects patients,…
The Trauma Nursing column is produced in partnership with the Board of Certification for Emergency Nursing (BCEN®), developer of the Trauma Certified Registered Nurse (TCRN®) certification.Hypoxia is any state of low oxygen within body tissues. If the oxygen insufficiency is severe enough, it can be life-threatening. Most commonly, this life-threatening low oxygen state leads to…
The Trauma Nursing column is produced in partnership with the Board of Certification for Emergency Nursing (BCEN®), developer of the Trauma Certified Registered Nurse (TCRN®) certification.Skin injuries and other surface trauma may appear minor on the outside, but looks can be deceiving. Trauma and emergency nurses should know how to recognize superficial injuries that may…
The Trauma Nursing column is produced in partnership with the Board of Certification for Emergency Nursing (BCEN®), developer of the Trauma Certified Registered Nurse (TCRN®) certification.The eye and its surrounding structures are highly complex, and an injury to this important body part can lead to permanent vision loss and disability. Because of these implications, many…
The Trauma Nursing column is produced in partnership with the Board of Certification for Emergency Nursing (BCEN®), developer of the Trauma Certified Registered Nurse (TCRN®) certification.Intracranial hemorrhage (ICH) is a life-threatening condition that requires prompt intervention. Nurses are often the first to recognize the changes in patient condition that can indicate ICH, so their response…
The Trauma Nursing column is produced in partnership with the Board of Certification for Emergency Nursing (BCEN®), developer of the Trauma Certified Registered Nurse (TCRN®) certification.Mechanical ventilators include several system alarms. Alarm limits are usually set by a respiratory therapist, but trauma and emergency nurses should understand the various alarms so they can address potential…