Citation

Holmes JE, Hanson CA. J. Trauma Nurs. 2015; 22(1): 41-43.

Affiliation

Janet Weis Children's Hospital at Geisinger Medical Center, Danville, Pennsylvania (Ms Holmes and Ms Hanson).

Copyright

(Copyright © 2015, Society of Trauma Nurses)

DOI

10.1097/JTN.0000000000000100

PMID

25584453

Abstract

Tracheal injury from blunt trauma is a rare, life-threatening condition in pediatric patients. Rapid assessment and identification of the severity of the injury will increase the likelihood of survival. Subcutaneous emphysema, pneumomediastinum, and persistent pneumothoraces after chest tube placement should be considered in the index of suspicion for tracheal injury. Treatment for a complete tracheal transection includes rapid airway securement via endotracheal tube or tracheostomy and careful surgical repair in the operating room in conjunction with bronchoscopy.

Language: en