A 36-year-old driver was pulled from a car after it collided with a tree and the gas tank exploded. What assessment data suggest the patient suffered tissue damage consistent with a blast injury?

a. Blood pressure 82/60, heart rate 122, respiratory rate 28.
b. Crackles (rales) on auscultation of bilateral lung fields.
c. Responsive only to painful stimuli.
d. Irregular heart rate and rhythm.


B
Explosive blast energy generates shock waves that create changes in air pressure, causing tissue damage. Initially after an explosion, there is a rapid increase in positive pressure for a short period, followed by a longer period of negative pressure. The increase in positive pressure injures gas-containing organs. The tympanic membrane ruptures, and the lungs may show evidence of contusion, acute edema, or rupture. A low blood pressure and corresponding tachycardia is more suggestive of hypovolemia. Lack of response to stimuli suggests a neurological injury. An irregular heart rate and rhythm may be associated with blunt trauma to the heart (e.g. cardiac contusion).

Nursing

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