title: Emergency department evaluation and management of blunt chest and lung trauma (Trauma CME).
abstract: The majority of blunt chest injuries are minor contusions or abrasions; however, life-threatening injuries, including tension pneumothorax, hemothorax, and aortic rupture can occur and must be recognized early. This review focuses on the diagnosis, management, and disposition of patients with blunt injuries to the ribs and lung. Utilization of decision rules for chest x-ray and computed tomography are discussed, along with the emerging role of bedside lung ultrasonography. Management controversies presented include the limitations of needle thoracostomy us¬ing standard needle, chest tube placement, and chest tube size. Finally, a discussion is provided related to airway and ventilation management to assist in the timing and type of interventions needed to maintain oxygenation.
authors.affiliation: Associate Professor of Clinical Emergency Medicine, Associate Residency Director, Department of Emergency Medicine, Stony Brook Medicine, Stony Brook, NY.
authors.forename: Eric J
authors.initials: EJ
authors.lastname: Morley
authors.affiliation: Associate Professor of Clinical Emergency Medicine, Residency Director, Department of Emergency Medicine, Stony Brook Medicine, Stony Brook, NY.
authors.forename: Scott
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Johnson
authors.affiliation: Department of Emergency Medicine, Stony Brook Medicine, Stony Brook, NY.
authors.forename: Evan
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Leibner
authors.affiliation: Department of Emergency Medicine, Stony Brook Medicine, Stony Brook, NY.
authors.forename: Jawad
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Shahid
mesh_terms: D015505:Chest Tubes; D003661:Decision Support Techniques; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D003952:Diagnostic Imaging; D004636:Emergency Service, Hospital; D019317:Evidence-Based Medicine; D006801:Humans; D015601:Injury Severity Score; D055370:Lung Injury / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000628:therapy*; D059408:Pain Management; D013898:Thoracic Injuries / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000628:therapy*; D014949:Wounds, Nonpenetrating / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000628:therapy*