Trauma Pathophysiology
Why does severe trauma commonly lead to hypovolemic shock?
Capillary permeability and fluid shifts causing intravascular volume loss
Which three conditions comprise the trauma triad of death?
Hypothermia, acidosis, coagulopathy
Which trauma type includes gunshot wounds and stabbings?
Penetrating trauma
Why is airway assessed before all other injuries?
Airway compromise is immediately life‑threatening
What is the purpose of the secondary survey in trauma care?
Identify injuries not found in the primary survey
What physiologic change contributes most to the hypermetabolic state seen after trauma?
Increased catecholamine release
Why does hypovolemia lead to metabolic acidosis in trauma?
Decreased tissue perfusion causes anaerobic metabolism
Why is blunt trauma particularly dangerous despite minimal external injury?
Severe internal organ damage may be present
Why must cervical spine stabilization occur during airway assessment?
Prevents worsening spinal cord injury
When should the secondary survey be performed?
After ABC stabilization
How does severe inflammation after trauma contribute to worsening hypovolemia?
Vasodilation and increased capillary permeability
How does acidosis worsen bleeding in traumatic injury?
It impairs clotting factor function
Why is deceleration trauma associated with multisystem injury?
Organs continue moving after sudden stop
What is the priority nursing action during the “C” portion of the primary survey?
Control external bleeding
Why does hematuria signal possible genitourinary trauma?
Injury to kidneys or bladder
Why does cellular injury after trauma commonly cause hyperkalemia?
Potassium release from lysed cells
Why does ongoing bleeding worsen hypothermia?
Loss of warm blood and reduced metabolic heat production
Which trauma type commonly presents with combined airway and circulatory compromise?
Complex trauma
Which assessment tool best evaluates neurological status during trauma?
Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS)
Why is a rectal exam completed before Foley catheter insertion in trauma?
To assess for urethral injury
How does hypothermia contribute to worsening hemorrhage in trauma patients?
It promotes coagulopathy
Which intervention most effectively interrupts the trauma triad of death?
Rapid control of bleeding and restoration of perfusion
Why does polytrauma increase mortality risk?
Combined impact overwhelms physiologic reserves
Why must exposure during trauma assessment be paired with warming?
Prevent hypothermia
Which finding indicates immediate need for surgical intervention?
Free air under the diaphragm