Chest Injury
Chest Injury
Chest Injury
BSN 3-Y1-10
CHEST INJURY
Pre-Hospital Data
Marlin Ponce, a 19 years old student at OLFU, was going to her school to pay her dues at the
accounting office, when suddenly a victim of stabbing while outside the campus. This all began when a
stranger approached her and asked her for some money which occurred immediately after this man saw
her. What started out as a verbal argument and she was refusing to give this stranger her money,
eventually resulted in a physical violence. Marlin sustained a single stab wound to the left chest in the
mid axillary line, just below the level of the nipple. She was transported to emergency department at the
nearby hospital NEDHI by the bystanders who witnessed the incidence. He was noted to be awake and
alert throughout the entire transport, but in an agony of the pain she was experiencing from the stab
wounds.
After several hours of observations, Marlin, at this time began complaining of a new subscapular pain, or
pain between the shoulder blades. The doctor was alarmed for the following reasons:
Patients with diaphragmatic injuries and irritation from the blood frequently exhibit referred pain in this
distribution. If the knife wound had projected inferiorly penetrating the diaphragm, there was also a high
likelihood of intra-abdominal injuries. Therefore, it was decided that the patient required surgical
exploration, and the patient was taken to the operating room.
Emergency Room
Assessment:
The patient complained of some pain in her left chest and shortness of breath while she is moving from
the stretcher onto the examination table.
The nurse placed cardiac monitors, blood pressure-cuff and oxygen saturation probe on her. Vital signs
result as follows:
Heart rate- 8am 91b/min, 84b/min,72b/min, 101b/min, 64b/min, 92b/min, 71b/min, 89b/min, 62b/min
Blood Pressure- 140/90, 130/70, 120/80, 140/90, 130/70, 120/80, 140/90, 130/70, 120/80, 140/90
Respiratory rate – 26, 18, 30, 21. 18, 24, 35, 24, 20, 16, 35, 23, 30, 16, 18, 20
Temperature- 37.2 ‘C, 38.1, 36. 3, 37.2 ‘C, 38.2, 36. 5, 37.5 ‘C, 36.1, 36. 3, 37.2 ‘C, 36.1, 37. 3
I and O monitoring
9am total : I = NPO, IVF =160, urine =800 cc, BM =0, CTT out 200cc
1pm: Oral =NPO, IVF =160, urine = 760 cc, BM=1x, CTT output =300 cc
5pm: oral 120 cc of water , IVF =160,urine =700 cc, BM =0, CTT output =500 cc
9pm: oral 200 cc of milk , IVF=160 cc, urine =600 cc, BM =0 , CTT output=800cc
1am: oral = 100cc of water , IVF =160cc , urine =500 cc, BM=0 , CTT output = 550 cc
IVF: PNSS 1 L x 24, (drop factor 20) inserted @ cephalic vien Right hand , using 18 IVcatheter, started @
6am
Medications: Medication for pain and antibiotic ( make your own order for pain and antibiotic) make an
drug study. Inhalers as needed
An upright CXR was done. Marlin needs to be sat up because she had an isolated penetrating injury to
the chest, and the mechanism of injury did not warrant spinal precautions. Due to this isolated nature of
her injury a pelvis and lateral C-spine films were unfortunately not obtained.
Medication for pain and antibiotic (decide and make your own order for pain and antibiotic) make a drug
study.
Initial Survey:
Oxygen mask with 100% FiO2 was placed; & an oxygen saturation of 98 % was obtained
Exposure –The patient’s clothes were cut off and removed to examine for other injuries
Secondary Survey:
Chest: clear on right, single stab wound to the left chest in the mid-axillary line in the 4th intercostal
space, no crepitus, no bleeding, decreased breath sounds at the left base
Coagulation panel
Toxicology screen
QUESTIONS:
2. As the student nurse assigned to Marlin, how will you manage her pain?
As the student nurse responsible for Marlin's care, my priority is managing her pain effectively. I
will begin with a comprehensive pain assessment, considering the pain's characteristics and
intensity. Administering prescribed pain medications. I will complement this with non-
pharmacological techniques like relaxation exercises. Educating Marlin about her pain relief plan
and advocating for her comfort will be integral in ensuring her well-being during her recovery.
3. What are the expected medications to be given to Marlin to alleviate her pain? Create at least 3
drug studies.
4. What is the purpose of the Arterial blood gas analysis ordered by Marlin’s attending physician? How
will you prepare Marlin for this test?
The attending physician has ordered an arterial blood gas (ABG) analysis for Marlin, and this test is
essential given her chest stab wound. Its primary purpose is to evaluate her respiratory status, acid-base
equilibrium, and arterial oxygenation levels. It provides crucial insights into her lung function and oxygen
levels.
In preparation for the ABG test, I will initiate the process by clearly explaining the procedure to Marlin,
ensuring her understanding and consent. Before proceeding, I'll clarify the purpose of the consent form
and inquire about allergies and potential medication interactions. Ensuring Marlin's comfort, I'll position
her appropriately, and finally, I will meticulously document all gathered information to facilitate a well-
documented and safe procedure.
5. What are the significance of the different blood (Coagulation panel, CBC etc.) work ordered by the
doctor?
The blood work ordered, which includes the coagulation panel, complete blood count (CBC), arterial
blood gas (ABG), and toxicology screen, yield critical information for assessing Marlin's health following
the chest stab wound.
The coagulation panel, which assesses blood clotting, plays a vital role in identifying bleeding disorders or
thrombotic risks arising from the injury. The CBC, featuring elements such as hemoglobin and white blood
cell count, aids in identifying potential anemia due to blood loss, detecting signs of infection or
inflammation, and evaluating platelet counts crucial for clotting. ABG analysis assesses her respiratory
condition and oxygen levels, guiding interventions for impaired lung function due to the chest injury.
Lastly, the toxicology screen aims to uncover any substances that may have influenced her injury or
impacted her overall health.
Together, these blood tests provide a comprehensive evaluation, guiding precise diagnosis and
personalized treatment strategies to enhance her well-being.
Based on the provided case study, Marlin sustained a stab wound to the chest. An arterial blood gas
(ABG) analysis has been ordered to assess her respiratory status, detect hypoxemia, evaluate acid-base
balance, guide treatment decisions, and monitor her response to interventions.
Given the potential impact of the chest injury on lung function and gas exchange, ABG results provide
crucial information about oxygen and carbon dioxide levels in the blood. This information assists
healthcare providers in determining the necessity for supplemental oxygen therapy, assessing the extent
of respiratory impairment, and making informed decisions to optimize Marlin's respiratory care and overall
health.
7. Which of these 2 diagnostic procedures does apply to Marlin’s case? Give your reasons.
Based on the information given about Marlin’s case, I’ll choose Open laparotomy instead of Diagnostic
laparoscopy since she’s experiencing a chest stab wound and subsequent subscapular pain.
The emergence of subscapular pain is particularly significant due to its possible connection with
diaphragmatic injuries. If the knife wound had extended inferiorly, potentially penetrating the diaphragm, it
could lead to irritation and damage within the abdominal cavity. Consequently, opting for an open
laparotomy becomes pertinent as it allows for comprehensive exploration of both the chest and abdominal
areas. This surgical approach is crucial for the assessment and management of potential intra-abdominal
injuries, which may not be immediately evident but could have occurred as a result of the same traumatic
incident.
Selecting an open laparotomy ensures that Marlin's medical care is tailored to her specific condition,
offering a thorough evaluation and intervention as required.
8. If the knife wound had projected inferiorly penetrate the diaphragm, there is also a likelihood of intra-
abdominal injuries. Make 3 NCPs on this. Impaired Breathing pattern – ABG result with oxygenation, Pain
with pain scale of 8/10 on the operative site, Impaired physical mobility due to presence of CTT 1 way
bottle.
4. Educating
the patient
about pain
managem
ent
empowers
them to
participate
actively in
their care.
5. Monitoring
for side
effects
ensures
patient
safety and
optimal
pain relief.
9. Using a schematic diagram, create a pathogenesis of what will be the effect of stab wound to her lungs
including possible complications.
Stab Wound
to Lungs
Lung Penetration
Hemorrhage
Pneumothorax Hemothorax
Infection Infection
Multi-organ Dysfunction
10. What are important nursing management when dealing patients with CTT like Marlin? Explain the
rationale.
The nursing management needed for patient like Marlin, who have undergone with CTT is to take
comprehensive approach to ensure her well-being. Since chest tube thoracostomy is related to lungs, the
nurse should prioritize respiratory assessments. These assessments help us catch any changes in
Marlin's breathing early, allowing for prompt interventions when needed.
We also diligently maintain the CTT system to prevent any issues like disconnections or blockages that
might hinder proper drainage. The nurse should also monitor the volume and the characteristics of
drainage from the chest tube to know if there are any potential complications.
Securing the chest tube adequately and ensuring effective pain management improve Marlin's comfort
and support her respiratory function. Strict adherence to infection control measures minimizes the risk of
infections at the chest tube site. Educating Marlin about her condition empowers her to actively engage in
her care, while continuous vital sign monitoring guarantees timely interventions.
Additionally, offering emotional support plays a crucial role in enhancing Marlin's overall well-being
throughout her recovery process.