Profile of care given to patients with blunt chest injury within the first 48 hours

Abstract

Blunt chest injury provides a specific challenge to care due to the possibility of concealed injuries and complications that may cause significant morbidity and mortality. A high index of suspicion for possible injury to the organs of the chest cavity is essential in both initial and subsequent assessment. Rapid resuscitation,airway management and definitive therapy are essential for successful patient outcomes. Associated injuries of the head, abdomen and skeleton may increase morbidity and mortality.

This study arrived at describing the nature of the case that blunt chest injury patients were receiving the role of nursing in the provision of quality care was also considered. A survey research design using a checklist to obtain data was utilized.Data collection was by means of a record review. The sample comprised sixty records of patients who were admitted to the trauma unit between 01-01-1997 and 30-06-1998. The setting of this research as the trauma unit of a large academic hospital in Johannesburg, South Africa.

The study revealed that: (I) all the sample subjects received a thorough initial assessment and no missed injuries were identified, (ii) more than half of the patients spent over one hour before admission to the trauma ICU/ward, (iii) pedestrian vehicle accidents are often fatal while motor vehicle accidents are the commonest cause of injury, (iv) nurses are good providers of care but poor in prescribing and documenting such care, (v) pain assessment and psychosocial care are often .given the least attention, (vi) the majority of trauma victims are the young and economically active.