ATLS | Thoracic Trauma

🫁 Thoracic Trauma High-Yield (NCLEX/ED)

I) 🌪️ Tension Pneumothorax (TPTX)

Key idea: Clinical dx—treat now, don’t wait for imaging. Patho: One-way valve → air traps in pleura → lung collapse + mediastinal shift → ↓venous return → obstructive shock; often from PPV with visceral injury. Meds: O₂ (often high-flow). Analgesia after stabilization. Team: MD does immediate needle/finger decompress → chest tube. RN preps gear, monitors vitals, reassesses; eFAST must not delay care. Cues (prio): 🟥 Hypotension/shock; 🟥 unilateral absent breath sounds; 🟧 severe tachypnea/air hunger; 🟧 tracheal deviation (late); 🟨 JVD; 🟨 cyanosis (late). RN actions: High-flow O₂; set up needle decompress (5th ICS, anterior to MAL) → mandatory tube. Reasses ...