title: Maxillofacial trauma.
abstract: Maxillofacial trauma runs the full gamut from minor discomfort to life-threatening injuries. Principles of airway management, adequate breathing, and circulation are paramount in the initial management. Health care professionals must anticipate problems based on a knowledge of anatomy and the pathophysiology of facial trauma and initiate treatment measures that decrease morbidity and mortality. Creative nursing approaches, based on a knowledge of physiologic needs and pathophysiologic consequences of facial trauma, are the keys in the convalescent phase as the patients struggle with alterated anatomy, sensory losses, and fear.
mesh_terms: D000402:Airway Obstruction / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy; D003142:Communication; D003422:Critical Care; D005147:Facial Bones / Q000293:injuries; D005151:Facial Injuries / Q000628:therapy; D050723:Fractures, Bone / Q000145:classification / Q000175:diagnosis; D006801:Humans; D008446:Maxillofacial Injuries / Q000150:complications / Q000451:nursing / Q000628:therapy*; D009733:Nursing Diagnosis; D009747:Nutritional Physiological Phenomena