title: Blunt thoracic injuries.
abstract: While fewer patients with isolated blunt chest trauma are admitted to the ICU than in previous years, those with multisystem trauma or life-threatening injuries such as aortic disruption or massive lung contusion need aggressive nursing care. This article surveys the most widely encountered blunt thoracic traumas as well as difficult-to-diagnose myocardial and pulmonary injuries. Comprehensive trauma, thoracic assessment, and critical care therapeutics are discussed.
authors.forename: P D
authors.initials: PD
authors.lastname: Hurn
authors.forename: R L
authors.initials: RL
authors.lastname: Hartsock
mesh_terms: D003422:Critical Care; D006801:Humans; D009730:Nursing Assessment; D011859:Radiography; D013898:Thoracic Injuries / Q000150:complications / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000451:nursing / Q000628:therapy; D014949:Wounds, Nonpenetrating / Q000150:complications / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000451:nursing / Q000628:therapy