Blunt thoracic injuries.

Abstract

While fewer patients with isolated blunt chest trauma are admitted to the ICU than in previous years, those with multisystem trauma or life-threatening injuries such as aortic disruption or massive lung contusion need aggressive nursing care. This article surveys the most widely encountered blunt thoracic traumas as well as difficult-to-diagnose myocardial and pulmonary injuries. Comprehensive trauma, thoracic assessment, and critical care therapeutics are discussed.