Trauma Update

摘要

Trauma is the third leading cause of death in the United States and the foremost cause in those aged 1 through 44 years.1'2 Nearly 70% of injury-related deaths are attributed to unintentional injury (eg, motor vehicle crashes or falls), 20% are the result of suicide, 8% are from homicides, and 2% are from undetermined intent.3 Regardless of the cause, severe trauma that impacts 1 or numerous organ systems can trigger many pathologic changes such as malperfusion, hypoxia, inflammation, fluid and electrolyte shifts, coagulopa-thy, and acid-base imbalances. The articles in this symposium series provide updates in 5 key areas of trauma patient care to assist advanced practice nurses and others in treating injured patients.