The First 48: Caring for Your Critical Trauma Patient

This lecture is intended to discuss the disease process and nursing assessment/care of the trauma patient. Discuss the pathophysiology of head trauma, thoracic trauma, and abdominal trauma. Discuss the approach to the trauma patient, including patient triage and initial assessment of injuries. Discuss the importance of evaluating and prioritizing external injuries (i.e. control hemorrhage, address hypovolemic shock, fluid resuscitation, wound assessment, address compromised oxygenation/ventilation). Discuss evaluation of potential internal injuries (i.e. secondary brain injury, pulmonary compromise, abdominal compromise). Review diagnostic testing (i.e. PCV/TP, clotting times, blood gas analysis, point-of-care ultrasound), stabilization therapies (i.e. cardiovascular support, respiratory support, neurological support), and critical nursing care for the trauma patient (i.e. patient monitoring, pain control and assessment, serial blood testing, patient comfort).

Emergency and Critical Care 

Presented by Courtney Waxman, CVT, RVT, VTS (ECC)
Instructional Technologist at Purdue University

Presented at New York Vet 2019
Veterinary Nurse & Technician's Theater