title: Trauma: the acute response.
abstract: Moderate to severe trauma is followed by a local response, which involves changes in cell function and an inflammatory reaction, and a systemic response coordinated by the nervous and endocrine systems. Early post-trauma alterations in cells are due primarily to decreased oxygen supply and include 1) the shifting of electrolytes and water, either into or out of cells, and 2) the production or release of various local tissue factors. These tissue factors produce changes in blood flow, increased vascular permeability, and other local manifestations of inflammation. Trauma activates nervous and hormonal pathways which help to restore blood volume and maintain the function of essential organs. The effects of these responses on cellular oxygen consumption and body temperature are described. Examples of respiratory system involvement in response to trauma in the lungs or elsewhere are given. These include increased capillary permeability in the lungs, pulmonary emboli, and damage from smoke and heat inhalation.
authors.forename: D K
authors.initials: DK
authors.lastname: Gauthier
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: LeMone
mesh_terms: D004630:Emergencies; D006801:Humans; D009785:Occupational Health Nursing; D013997:Time Factors; D014947:Wounds and Injuries / Q000451:nursing / Q000503:physiopathology*