Thoracic and neck trauma. Part three

Abstract

Previous parts to this series on thoracic and neck trauma discussed the anatomy and physiology of the thorax, assessment and initial nursing interventions, imaging and adjuncts to diagnosis. Part 2 describes specific chest wall and lung injuries, types of pneumothoraces and their diagnosis and management. This section, part 3 of 4, discusses other types of thoracic injuries and their management, such as trauma to the diaphragm and heart.

Keywords: Patient assessment, Trauma, Thoracic injury, Cardiac injury, Diaphragm injury, Nursing assessment, Anatomy

a Liverpool Hospital, Sydney, Australia

b Faculty of Nursing, University of Sydney, Clinical Nurse Consultant Trauma, St. George Hospital, Sydney, Australia

Corresponding author. Tel.: +612 91133499/2686; fax: +612 91133974.

PII: S1755-599X(08)00126-2

doi:10.1016/j.ienj.2008.11.012

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